Ameena Hussain studies LLB Honours Law and gained practical experience on her course, on placement and at the University’s own law firm Hallam Legal Advice Centre. As well as offering free legal advice and support to help reunite refugees with their families.

“I’ve always had an interest in Law and Sheffield Hallam appealed to me for its range of resources and student support. It’s more than lived up to my expectations and I’ve been presented with a lot of opportunities. 

“The University offers excellent support with your studies – both academic and non-academic. I used the Skills Centre which provides support relating to my studies specifically, and with things like writing a CV. I attended workshops about research and critical writing skills and careers fairs, which introduced me to future employers.

“I also regularly met with my academic adviser throughout my course this helped me make sure I was going in the right direction and set further goals. 

“I initially assumed studying law would mainly focus on theory, but I’m pleasantly surprised with the practical experience involved on the course and the knowledge I’ve developed.

“I had the opportunity to work at Hallam Legal Advice centre and Refugee Rights Hub, the University’s law firm. It was great for developing legal knowledge and skills in a professional environment. Working at the law firm allowed me to not only learn about different areas of law, but to practically apply it.

“As part of an elective module in my third year, I attended a law firm one day a week. I worked with other legal professionals like paralegals and solicitors, made legal connections and was able to find out about career opportunities. I also got an insight into what it’s like to be an employee and it taught me professionalism and how law firms operate.”

Other practical experience Ameena developed on her course included working at the Refugee Rights Hub, the University’s legal centre for refugees.

“This experience showed me how I can use my degree to help others, by working to reunite refugees with their families. It gave me first-hand experience of immigration law and of how the asylum system works and impacts refugees, which is an area I’m interested in working in.

“Speaking to clients about their often-distressing reason for fleeing and their journey to the UK, can be upsetting, but you don’t get better learning than this. You can read all the books, but this is real experience. It makes the work we do at the Hub all the more important.

“I’m proud of knowing that I’ve helped submit applications for refugee family reunions, which could change their lives.

“Working with clients at the Hub is an honour. It’s a heart-warming feeling to provide a free service to people who need it the most.

“Working at the Refugee Hub has developed my interest in immigration law, and I hope to qualify as a solicitor.”