Alumni

Dushinee maistry

Career Path: International Lawyer
Location: Paris

Biography

Since my young age, I aspired to become a barrister. I had a strong belief that my personality traits will enable me to become a great barrister as I am a rigorous person and someone who is dedicated to her ethical and moral values. Moreover, I always carry out the work at hand with great diligence. After college, I immediately applied to enrol on the LLB course as I knew for sure I wanted to pursue a career in law. Then, everything followed and my career path began to take shape little by little.

What are you doing now?

I am currently working as an International Lawyer in Paris.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

I choose Northumbria University for its outstanding campus. On site, there are many facilities provided to students such as banking services, catering outlets, libraries are open 24/7. Before starting the BPTC in September, someone from the international admissions team planned a campus visit for me. I was very pleased by the welcome I received. I had the opportunity to meet the course director in person and also to visit the student accommodation where I was planning to stay during my studies

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

It was a great experience to have been able to study at Northumbria University. The course was very well structured in the sense that I had been able to acquire not only theoretical knowledge but also, I had got the opportunity to further develop my practical skills such as problem solving and communication skills. Most of the lectures were recorded. During seminars, the lecturers corrected our work individually and provided us with useful and concrete feedbacks.

How connected was your course with industry?

Being a BPTC student at NU, I participated in an essay competition and was selected to spend a day with a civil judge. Furthermore, I had got the opportunity to marshall a criminal judge at Newcastle Crown Court and to complete mini-pupillages at Trinity Chambers, Newcastle, New Park Court Chambers in Newcastle and in Leeds and at Fountain Chambers in Middlesbrough.

What was the best thing about your course?

The best thing about this course is that it trained me to become stronger and to never give up no matter how difficult the situation is.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

Northumbria has definitely contributed in helping me to achieve my goal. After having successfully completed the course, I was called to the Bar of England and Wales and afterwards to the Mauritian Bar.

Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now throughout your career?

I am now able to draft very clear and concise legal opinions. I had been able to develop my analytical thinking and my capacity to think on my feet.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?

I enjoyed being the full-time student representative and Lincoln’s Inn student representative for NU as I had got the opportunity to organise out of London qualifying sessions and to take part in meetings with lectures and members of the Bar Standards Board.

What advice would you give somebody who is considering studying at Northumbria?

Do not hesitate to apply! If you need any additional information or support, do not hesitate to ask as there are always people available to reply to queries. Be determined and then go for it in order to be able 'to take on tomorrow'!