Haneen Abbas

LLB 2025, St John’s College

Getting a training contract isn’t a straight path; it’s a mix of learning, rejection, and a lot of figuring things out as you go. What helped me most at Durham was the genuine support available along the way. Whether it was a lecturer taking time to talk through an application, or the employability course that broke down the process step by step, there was always someone willing to help if you asked.

Each of my vacation schemes taught me something different: about the kind of work I enjoyed, the environments I thrived in, and the areas of law that actually interested me. I also started noticing how often I came across Durham graduates in senior positions. Those shared experiences gave me confidence and a sense of belonging in spaces that initially felt intimidating.

In my final year, I wrote my dissertation on Data Protection and Artificial Intelligence and was awarded a First Class. It tied together a lot of what I’d learned from both my studies and my practical experiences, and it ended up being a great talking point during interviews.

Outside of academics, I was involved in a few societies that pushed me to take initiative, work with others, and balance a lot at once; all skills that quietly prepare you for the workplace without you realising it.

I’m now a future trainee solicitor at Stephenson Harwood LLP in Dubai, where I’ll be working in a firm known for its international reach and collaborative culture. I’m excited to be part of a team that handles complex cross-border work and encourages genuine growth.

My advice to current students: Use the support that’s there. Durham has more of it than you might think. Don’t get caught up comparing your journey to anyone else’s; everyone moves at their own pace. Focus on getting a little better with each application, each interview, and each setback. That’s what builds confidence and, eventually, success.