University Of East London’s Legal Advice Centre Hosts President Of The Law Society
Delighted to experience the amazing facilities and hear about the opportunities available to UEL law students, President Shuja advised students to “‘use your Legal Advice Centre and use your Courtroom as it will help with gaining experience.”
She added: “The first piece of advice that I tend to give is to get some work experience, it is so important, not only on your CV but actually for you to be able to decide whether the law is for you.”
Additionally, she offered her insight into a successful career in law reminding students to “Always listen to people’s stories, understand them and treat every interaction as if you’re having an interview.” She shared the tip to “share something about yourself to people you meet so that they can always remember you” and reminded students to exercise kindness: “People like to work with people they like.”
President Shuja with LLB Final Year student Mehwish Farhan- a co-organiser of the visit
Lubna Shuja is the first Asian, first Muslim and seventh female to become President since the Law Society was established in 1825. She has been a solicitor since 1992 and a Mediator since 2005. Lubna Shuja is dual qualified as a Civil and Family Mediator and has mediated all types of cases including contested probate, property issues, contractual disputes, divorce, child access and employment problems. She sits as a Chair for several regulators, chairing various Disciplinary, Regulatory, Professional Conduct, Fitness to Practice, Investigatory and Appeal Committees dealing with a wide range of professionals.
She encouraged law students to “Get outside your comfort zone, challenge yourself and that’s where you will grow.”
Her own legal experience covers a variety of areas including personal injury, litigation, Wills and probate, property disputes, contractual/debt claims, professional negligence as well as divorce/children and related financial issues.
President Shuja with LLB Final Year student Obiageli Stella Ngoesin
Obiageli Stella Ngoesina, LLB Final Year student was inspired from President Shuja’s advice on how to set up as a legal practitioner. She said: “This is one of my dreams, I will try as much as possible to gain more experience and knowledge to prepare myself for it.”
Fatema Begum, LLB Final Year Student meeting with President Shuja
Fatema Begum, LLB Final Year law student said: “I had the privilege of meeting Lubna Shuja the President of the Law Society, who is an incredible person. After hearing her inspiring talk, I felt more confident.”
Saadiya Ahmad, Director of Careers and Enterprise & Director of the Legal Advice Centre, Royal Docks School of Business and Law said “We want to thank President Shuja for her visit and sharing her expertise with our students. She has a wide range of legal expertise in a variety of practice areas and her story will have a lasting impact on our students’ legal education.”
President Shuja with UEL Law lecturers, academics and legal staff from the Legal Advice Centre
Nurun Choudhury, Lead for the Legal Advice Centre and Trainee Solicitor who co-organised the event said: “It was an inspiring experience for our students. They were captivated by her talk and we are grateful for the knowledge and insights she shared.”