As qLegal community celebrated their 9th Anniversary Annual Summer Party on 22nd June, our recent alumna, Rasika Gupta, reflected on her experience with qLegal.
As qLegal community celebrated their 9th Anniversary annual summer party on 22nd June, Rasika Gupta (Environment, Energy, Climate Change & Animal Welfare Law LLM, 2023), reflects on her experience with qLegal:
As I look back on my time with qLegal's Public Legal Education Program (PLE), I am humbled with appreciation for the experiences it gave me. This journey has not only shaped my legal knowledge but has also refined my oratory skills, enabled me to engage with diverse audiences, and led me to forge friendships for a lifetime.
From the outset, the program impressed upon me the value of sharing legal knowledge with FE colleges and universities. Through workshops delivered to budding entrepreneurs, I found myself enlightening students about diverse aspects of law like Artificial Intelligence and Data Protection. This experience not only enhanced my understanding of the subjects but also gave me the joy of witnessing the power of knowledge in changing mindsets.
One of the most significant gifts the PLE program offered me was the opportunity to become a confident orator. Standing before diverse groups of stakeholders, I learned how to communicate complex legal issues accessibly and in an engaging way. The nerves I once had were replaced by a newfound sense of empowerment as I navigated through legal complexities with ease and finesse.
The mentorship provided by experienced lawyers from top law firms was invaluable. These dedicated professionals generously volunteered their time to guide and nurture us throughout the program. Their feedback was constructive, and their insights helped me refine my presentation skills and research capabilities. Under their guidance, I learned how to explore legal nuances in jurisdictions different from my own. The loudest cheer goes to Eliza Platts-Mills (qLegal Lecturer), the lead for PLE, who was always kind and supportive to each student alike and provided feedback in the most understanding way.
While interacting with these accomplished mentors, I realized that the legal world extended far beyond the conventional roles of solicitors and barristers. I discovered the countless ways law can be utilized to make a positive impact. From being a teacher, educating the next generation about their rights and responsibilities, to being a consultant, providing tailored legal advice to various industries – the possibilities seemed endless.
Beyond the academic and professional growth, PLE gifted me with unforgettable friendships. Working alongside like-minded individuals who shared a similar passion for law created a unique bond that surpassed the program's duration. The camaraderie we developed while preparing workshops and facing deadlines together made us friends for a lifetime. These connections, I believe, will be instrumental in shaping my future and building a supportive network in the legal world.
As I look back at my journey with PLE, I can confidently say that it has been one of the most special experiences of my journey at QMUL. The program has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of education, the joy of sharing knowledge, and the immense value of community engagement. I am forever grateful to QMUL and qLegal for providing me with such a supplementing platform to grow both as a legal enthusiast and as an individual. Thank you, qLegal, for an unforgettable journey of empowerment, growth, and lasting friendships!
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