Hi Gabrielle, what you have been busy doing since we last caught up?
Since being named a finalist, I've taken on a range of new responsibilities at university. My favourite new role has been my position as Welfare Officer on the committee of the Cambridge University Law Society.
Last summer, I also completed pro bono work as a caseworker on Amicus' Missouri Project, which I found particularly rewarding. I'm now in the middle of completing applications for vacation schemes this year.
Why did you originally decide to enter Future Legal Mind?
I saw entering Future Legal Mind as the perfect opportunity to talk about an area of law that I'm really passionate about, and to get my opinions recognised.
I'd wanted to write about women's access to justice and gender-based violence for a while, and hadn't found any opportunities to speak about this in my university work.
This competition provided the perfect outlet to share my thoughts on this area of law, and the reform that I strongly feel is needed.
How has being a finalist in Future Legal Mind helped you so far, and how do you think it will help you in the future?
Being a finalist has certainly improved my confidence in myself and has reminded me of what I'm capable of. I often doubt myself and my abilities, so this competition really helped to overcome that ‘imposter syndrome', and I know that it will continue to do so in the future.
It's also a great achievement to talk about in applications, and something that I'm very proud to share about myself.
Gabrielle's competition video
Gabrielle's competition video focused on legal reform around sexual violence against women.
See more videos from our 2021 finalistsWhat would you say to law students who are thinking of entering Future Legal Mind this year?
I'd definitely encourage them to enter. I feel that the competition has really improved my confidence in my own abilities, and has also improved my advocacy and writing skills. I'm so glad that I entered last year.
A lot of modules that you do as a law student will be compulsory, so the chance to write about something completely of your choice is really exciting and a great opportunity to get your voice heard.
Do you have any tips for those who are starting work on their essay?
My biggest tip would be to try to write about something that you're passionate about. Bringing your interests into the essay is a great way to make it exciting for you to write.
Also, start planning your entry early, as you want to make sure that it's as good as you can make it - don't leave it until the night before the deadline! Good luck!
