Recent graduate, Kashmeera Nadkarni is passionate about helping people less fortunate than herself. She has always felt very strongly about delivering justice and issues particularly to do with human rights. Studying LLB Law at ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø gave her the right opportunities to put what she was learning into practice and make a positive difference to the people she encountered during her time at ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø.
"I chose to study law at ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø because I loved the structure of the lectures and tutorials. One thing that was a contributing factor was definitely Foxhill House. I loved the building and that it was just for law students. I could go there to revise or to do my assignments and if I felt stressed, I could just take a peaceful walk by the lake."
Finding a reasonable solution
One of the key highlights of Kashmeera's course included her pro bono work with Resolve Mediation - a small organization with specialist mediators who offer mediation services to individuals and families to resolve conflict in neighbourhood, family and workplace settings across Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Each academic year, they provide training to 40 law students. Upon completion of this training, students can take part in real mediation cases in the community.
Kashmeera's pro bono work included attending mediation and client interviewing training, helping out at the pro bono fairs and volunteering for any mediation cases in and around ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø.
She was also chosen to participate in a mediation competition which took place in Glasgow in January 2020.
"I learnt that mediation is different from law and legal principles. It is about listening and keeping calm and resolving issues within your means and learning how to communicate with people. The competition gave me an amazing insight into mediation within businesses and the wider community. It was truly an eye opening experience."
Kashmeera also represented the University when she volunteered in Fiji with the charity ThinkPacific.
"This was an unforgettable experience and I miss Fiji and my Fijian family every day. I have to thank the University for presenting me with this opportunity as I would have never have heard of it without the presentation ThinkPacific gave at the University. This was something I always wanted to do as it is my dream to help children and people less fortunate than I and the fact that I could live in the village was amazing. Everyone was so happy and joyful no matter what, and I truly loved that. I am so grateful I got to teach in the school and help these kids!"
,Real research opportunities
"The focus of my research was on 'son preference in India.' This related to why many people in India prefer sons over daughters and the long history that relates to this topic. I worked alongside Dr Sylvie Dubuk in the Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences and attended regular meetings to discuss how to expand on the topic. I really enjoyed my research and it gave me an insight into some of the issues we still face in this modern day. I attended a presentation day which consisted of a whole day of presenting a poster I created to explain my topic and I gave a short presentation on this. "
Kashmeera’s UROP topic stemmed from her interest in international law and wanting to discuss issues that we don't see in the western world.
The "One of my favourite modules was International Children's Rights. The seminars were so interactive and informative. I also enjoyed Gender and Law as we discussed modern issues and how they affect us."
The next steps
Talking about her career plans , Kashmeera has recently started her Legal Practice Course (LPC) with a master's with the University of Law based at the ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø's London Road campus. She hopes to get a training contract and become a solicitor.
"I definitely had an advantage as a ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø graduate while applying for my master's. I spoke to the University of Law so many times beforehand about any queries I had as they visited the University's career fairs very often."
Kashmeera's tips
Looking back at her time at ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø, Kashmeera gave the following advice to future law students:
"Make the most out of the opportunities presented to you. Talk to your lecturers when you don't understand something. Get involved in as much as possible and just have fun in your three years because they do go by quickly!"
The UROP (Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme) is now called the ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø Internship Scheme (RIS).
