Yusef Yassin

LLB, 2025, Josephine Butler College

After graduating, I will join global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer as trainee solicitor in 2029.

Looking back, my time at Durham not only taught me the law, but also how to approach and solve problems. Having that knowledge and those skills allowed me to feel more confident in all areas of my life.

The opportunities and connections I developed during my time at Durham also played an important role in helping me secure my future traineeship. I was able to leverage connections I made while at the university to gain opportunities. The experience which I gained from those opportunities then helped me secure a training contract

Beyond my academic and professional development, Durham helped me develop as an individual. I was able to broaden my horizon by learning more about the world and others.

The advice I got from Professor Philip Bennett was very valuable, and I was able to take it with me into interviews, assessment centres, and my vacation scheme. It was a major factor in my success.

My advice to those considering studying Law at Durham is not to be intimidated. You will be surrounded by talented, intelligent people, but you are intelligent and talented yourself; otherwise you wouldn’t be here. Don’t be too shy or embarrassed to participate in your own education. Be engaged in seminars and discussions, and try to connect ideas from one class to others. By doing so, you will not only learn more, but also enjoy your time at university more.