Why did you decide to study law at university?
I was interested in different aspects of humanity and society, and a law degree seemed to bring these together, including questions of morality and fairness, treatment of marginalised groups, and generally what we owe to each other. A law degree also considers the impact of legal rules when applied, and how to create a legal framework that reflects a society’s values - so what is desirable, workable and acceptable to society at large.
Why apply to study law in the UK, and at the University of Cambridge?
My English-speaking school followed the UK education system, and students were generally encouraged to apply to UK universities. My main incentive, however, was quality of education and a law degree at Cambridge University is considered to be one of the best law degrees in the world.
Did any extra-curricular activities at school help with both your university application and your studies?
Yes, they did. For example, I was a member of my school’s Debate Club for many years (and was a student director), and this definitely strengthened my university application as it provided evidence of critical thinking, constructive arguments, and public speaking. I also developed the ability to identify and evaluate key arguments, a skill which is crucial to my degree.
I also regularly attended events organised by my school’s Current Affairs Society, helping me stay aware of world events and their broader impact, again vital for anyone studying law. Finally, together with a classmate, I founded my school’s Law Society to introduce students to some legal ideas and cases. Although our activities stopped during the Covid-19 pandemic, it was an opportunity to research areas of law that interested me, and learn how to convey complex ideas in simple terms, once again both essential skills for law students.
How did your Cambridge qualifications prepare you for your degree?
Although I didn’t study law at Cambridge International A Level, I gained significant skills from my other subjects.
For example, by studying English Literature I learnt to appreciate nuances in language which greatly improved my own writing ability. I learnt how to be concise yet accurate which is an essential skill for law, where linguistic nuances can influence rules and outcomes. I also had to connect and explore recurring themes in a piece of literature, which has helped when writing law essays which consider how specific ideas are treated throughout the legal system. Finally, through the different literary works we studied, I developed a greater awareness of society’s impact on the individual, which I think has influenced my approach to some legal questions, especially in family law.
In my History studies, the most useful skill I gained was how to balance abstract ideas (such as ‘good’) with concrete facts, which is extremely valuable in the context of the law.
How do you find life in the UK, having previously lived in both Cyprus and Brazil?
Some aspects of life in the UK seemed odd at first, such as the formality of interactions with other people, especially strangers. There are also cultural differences, such as the dynamics between different parts of England, and different football teams here and their rivalries. English cuisine certainly takes some getting used to, as does the winter weather! However, I have also been made to feel welcome here. I have British friends with whom I share interests, and both the city of Cambridge and the student community are very diverse. I am also grateful that the University has an active Brazilian Society which makes home feel a little closer, especially being able to hear Portuguese being spoken.
What are your future career plans?
I hope to qualify as a solicitor in the UK and then I am strongly considering studying for a Master’s in Law. I will then likely practise law in the UK, and perhaps in other countries if my employer has offices around the world.
Would you recommend Cambridge qualifications to other students considering studying at university?
Definitely. Speaking from my own experience, the skills I gained when preparing for my exams have served as useful building blocks for a rigorous degree course. I also appreciated the breadth of material I was able to explore, and the range of skills demanded by Cambridge examiners. I must also say that I had some excellent teachers and I genuinely loved what I was studying, especially English Literature.