Amicus Partners

First Person Accounts (FPA’s) are meant to provide a first-hand account of law graduates who have pursued, or are pursuing, a post-graduate course (an LLM or otherwise) from different universities across the world.

In 2023, Niharika Goel graduated with a law degree from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and opted to enrol for an LLM at the University of Edinburgh immediately thereafter. With a passion for Human Rights Law, Niharika discussed her reasons for choosing Edinburgh, the LLM experience itself, and a whole lot more. 

How did you evaluate and choose between different universities for your postgraduate studies in Human Rights Law?

I prioritized several key criteria to ensure the optimal decision for my academic and professional future like the QS Ranking, the modules offered by the University, and the faculty. Foremost among these was the QS World Ranking of the university in Law and Legal Studies, serving as a benchmark for academic excellence and global reputation, which I believed would enhance my employability, particularly if I returned to India.

The specific modules offered by each university were crucial, as I sought comprehensive and rigorous programs tailored to Human Rights Law, with a diverse array of subjects aligned with my interests and career aspirations. Additionally, the expertise of faculty, available resources such as research centres, and practical opportunities like internships and clinics played significant roles.

Ultimately, my decision was multifaceted and deeply personal, ensuring alignment with both my professional ambitions and long-term goals.

Were there specific programs, faculty members, or resources at the University of Edinburgh that drew you to the institution?

Several specific programs, faculty members, and resources at the University of Edinburgh significantly influenced my decision to pursue my postgraduate studies there. A major attraction was the opportunity to be mentored by distinguished professors such as Professor Stephen Neff, Professor Nehal Bhuta, and Dr. Paul Behrens.

Currently, I am working on a dissertation on the mental capacity of child soldiers as a defense before the ICC under Dr. Behrens’ supervision, who was an amicus curiae in the Dominic Ongwen case at the ICC. The University’s flexible curriculum allowed me to blend various modules each semester, combining courses like Global Crimes and Insecurity, Refugee Law, International Criminal Law, and Environmental Law and Climate Change, creating a personalized and diverse academic experience.

Additionally, the policy permitting students to audit extra modules without earning credits enriched my academic journey. The master’s program’s emphasis on practical exposure alongside theoretical learning was another draw.

Participating in the Human Rights Clinic provided hands-on experience with the Together Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights, applying theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. The option to choose a work-based placement instead of a traditional dissertation post the second semester further aligned with my career aspirations of impacting human rights through policy work.

What advice would you give to students currently choosing a university for their law studies, based on your own experience?

Choosing a university for law studies is a deeply personal decision that hinges on individual inclinations and career goals. Start with the QS World University Rankings to assess academic reputation, and then explore specific modules on university websites to ensure alignment with your interests. Engaging with current students and alumni provides valuable insights into the programs’ practical aspects.

Personally, I prioritized practical work exposure, making the University of Edinburgh ideal due to its blend of theoretical learning and hands-on opportunities like the Human Rights Clinic and work-based placements.

For those valuing proximity to major legal institutions, universities in London offer excellent networking and internship possibilities but the living expenses can be challenging. Ultimately, thorough research and personal preferences should guide your choice.

What strategies did you find most effective in securing your various internships and roles, particularly your current position at Together (Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights)?

My current role was facilitated through the Human Rights Clinic program at the University of Edinburgh, where the appointment was directly made by our course director. My other internship roles at various policy organisations were by understanding their recent work, ongoing projects, and strategic goals, I was able to tailor my application materials to resonate with their current needs.

This involved delving into their latest reports, publications, and news updates to gain a comprehensive understanding of their priorities and challenges. Following fellowships and internships in a particular niche also attracts potential for future recruitments.

Can you describe your current role at Together and your responsibilities within the Human Rights Clinic?

I am one of eight students involved in a collaborative initiative between our university and the organization. Guided by the organization’s director and our program director, we were divided into teams to research the implementation of Children’s Rights Impact Assessments (CRIA) in Wales and Scotland, aiming for a comparative analysis.

Over five months, we analyzed over 250 CRIAs, culminating in a comprehensive report presented to key stakeholders, including the Scottish Government, Improvement Service, and UNICEF UK. Our findings drew significant interest from UNICEF, underscoring the impact of our work and applying theoretical knowledge to real-world issues.

The most rewarding aspect of my role is the profound impact on advancing children’s rights through collaborative efforts. One major challenge was the extensive scope of research within a tight five-month timeframe. We meticulously reviewed CRIAs for each bill passed by the Welsh government, identifying shortcomings and conducting comprehensive assessments.

Despite the high expectations and tight schedule, our final report was well-received, with stakeholders keen on advancing our findings to the UN Session. This experience not only highlighted the importance of tangible change in human rights but also enhanced my individual and collaborative skills, balancing independent work with teamwork effectively.

What are the most rewarding aspects of your job, and what challenges do you encounter?

The most rewarding aspects stem from the profound impact our work has on advancing children’s rights and the collaborative process. One of the main challenges was the vast scope of our research within a constrained five-month timeframe, requiring meticulous review of every Children’s Rights Impact Assessment (CRIA) for Welsh government bills. We identified overlooked elements and assessed adherence to CRC rules, breaking down our research into smaller sections to draw a comparative analysis between Wales and Scotland.

Despite the challenges, our final report was highly praised by our course director and presented to key stakeholders, including the Scottish Government, Improvement Service, and UNICEF UK. Their keen interest in our findings, potentially advancing them to the UN Session, was incredibly rewarding.

This experience enhanced my individual and team skills in a practical context, highlighting the significance of tangible change in human rights work.

You worked under the guidance of Dr. Kacey McCall Smith and Juliet Harris. Can you share more about their mentorship and its impact on your work?

Working under the guidance of Dr. Kacey McCall-Smith and Juliet Harris has been an immensely enriching experience throughout my time at the Human Rights Clinic. The entire clinic operated under their expert mentorship, which significantly shaped the quality and depth of our research.

We had the privilege of meeting with them once a week for a two-hour seminar, where they meticulously guided us through the research process, gradually helping us build our work step by step.

Their extensive knowledge and experience were invaluable as they directed us to pertinent websites and key reports, ensuring our research was comprehensive and well-informed.

The mentorship process involved a structured approach where we initially presented our individual research findings to Dr. McCall-Smith and Juliet Harris. Their insightful feedback helped us identify the most critical elements to highlight in our report. This iterative process of presenting, receiving feedback, and refining our work was crucial in honing our analytical and presentation skills. After integrating their suggestions, we collaborated on a cohesive presentation of our collective research, which was once again reviewed and critiqued by our mentors. This collaborative effort eventually led to the creation of a mock report, which underwent further refinement based on their expert advice.

The culmination of this rigorous process is a final, polished report that is set to be published. The mentorship of Dr. McCall-Smith and Juliet Harris not only enhanced the quality of our work but also profoundly impacted our professional growth, instilling in us a methodical and critical approach to research.

What advice would you give to law students or professionals considering pursuing a specialization in human rights law?

For law students or professionals contemplating a specialization in human rights law, my foremost advice is to thoroughly understand and identify your niche within this expansive domain. Human rights law encompasses a wide array of subfields, and pinpointing the area that resonates most with your passion and career goals is crucial.

Furthermore, developing a multidisciplinary expertise can significantly enhance your effectiveness in this field. Integrating knowledge from areas such as international relations, sociology, and public policy will provide a broader perspective and more robust analytical skills. It is important to have an idea of what your future goals are.

Building on policy research is particularly important in human rights law. Effective advocacy and tangible change often stem from well-informed policy initiatives. Hence, honing your research skills and gaining experience in policy analysis should be a priority.

Additionally, since this specialization is often driven by a commitment to societal impact rather than financial gain, aiming for scholarships to pursue a Master’s can provide essential support.

Reflecting on my own experience, I regret not applying for more scholarships due to a delayed offer, so early and proactive application is crucial.

(This interview was conducted by LLM candidate, Muskan Chaudhury)

We need your help in keeping this blog alive. If you feel that the content on this blog has helped you, please consider making a donation here.