Her placement offered a rare and invaluable insight into the legal profession abroad, allowing her to witness real court cases, work alongside practising lawyers, and deepen her passion for justice. Below, she shares her experience in her own words.

"During my placement, I worked alongside an amazing group of lawyers who welcomed me into their team and allowed me to see how cases are built from the very beginning. Even though I was in another country, the experience strengthened my understanding of how the law operates and how cases come together before reaching court. Seeing the process unfold in real-life situations made me realise the impact lawyers can have on victims and families, far beyond what we often see in media portrayals.

I was able to shadow a range of cases, starting with researching key details, helping to construct arguments, and then watching those arguments presented in court. Some of the cases I observed involved divorce, child abuse, violent offences and other sensitive matters. Watching the lawyers handle these situations with both professionalism and empathy taught me a lot about the human side of the legal profession.

I also attended court sessions where I was taught courtroom etiquette, took notes, and analysed the effectiveness of different arguments. One of the moments that stood out to me was seeing lawyers motivate and encourage their clients before their hearings. Those small interactions showed me how emotionally demanding the role can be and how important compassion is in legal work.

One fascinating detail I learned during my placement is that lawyers in Kurdistan wear black satin capes with a green and red sash on court days. This tradition symbolises their protest against injustice – something I found inspiring and symbolic of the profession’s purpose.

This experience strengthened my passion for helping people seek justice and confirmed that this is a path I want to pursue in the future. The experience was unforgettable, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity."