Law student stories

Watch Anna talk about her experience as a Bachelor of Laws student.
In particular, she describes how her studies with us made her highly employable.

Why Auckland?
“I chose the University of Auckland because it’s close to home, has a good academic reputation, and offered the courses I wanted to study.

“For me, the most valuable aspects of my programme are the quality of education, building connections, and, of course, the final law degree that I’ve been working hard to get. My biggest achievement so far has been getting into Part II of law.”

My aspirations
“With my Law degree, I hope to practice and eventually become a judge. I’m also considering pursuing a doctorate in the future, and maybe one day I would like to teach Law, either in high school or at university level.”

My studies
“What I enjoy most about my studies is the mental stimulation and learning about the law in various cases around the world. Law has always been an interest of mine, and it’s always fun to win arguments with people online!”

My advice
“My advice for those thinking about studying at the University of Auckland is there’s no better option. UoA is the top university in New Zealand and highly ranked globally. It offers a wide range of study options, so don’t be afraid to take that first step and apply. If you apply yourself and get connected with what you’re studying, you’ll thrive.”
 

Why Auckland?
“I chose the University of Auckland because it was close to home and had a great academic reputation. The Law programme is well-recognised, and I was able to complete my BA alongside it. In my philosophy degree, I value content that allows me to think critically about concepts and the world. In Law, building friendships with other students is one of the most valuable aspects.”

Auckland University Law Student Society (AULSS)
“Being part of the Auckland University Law Student Society (AULSS) has enabled me to impact key aspects of the degree from a student voice perspective. Personally, learning how I best study and retain information to apply to my assignments and exams has been a great achievement.

“I’ve been fortunate to serve on the executive committee of the AULSS as an Education Vice President. This role has allowed me to connect with students, work to improve their connection with the faculty and other students and promote wellbeing.”

My future
“I have ambitions to work in the corporate law field, specifically with the Serious Fraud Office, and I believe my degree will help take me there.”
 

Why Auckland?
“The University of Auckland was an obvious choice for me due to its stellar reputation both nationally and internationally. I knew a degree from this University would be well respected and useful wherever I went.

“I was also particularly impressed by the reputation of Auckland Law School. I knew it was competitive to secure a spot in second year, but this proved to me that the quality of education would be top-class.

Great variety
“I enrolled in a conjoint of BA/LLB, double majoring in History and Classical Studies.

“I liked the variety of papers you had to complete as part of the conjoint. Getting exposure to so many different aspects of law and history has helped me identify the type of person I am, the values I hold and my aspirations.
“To put it more simply, I enjoyed the five years of dedicated learning. It was an enriching experience and opened my eyes to the world.

Extra-curricular activities
“I loved my time at the University of Auckland, I got involved with many extracurricular activities, namely through being on the exec teams of various clubs. I met so many different people doing other degrees. Most importantly, I liked that there was a real balance between working hard and playing hard.

“Some of the lecturers I have met have left a lasting impression on me.”
 

Why Auckland?
“The University of Auckland was always my top choice. My brother attended uni here and loved it. Also, in my final years of high school I was fortunate enough to be a part of transitioning programmes provided by the University of Auckland to help high school students move into University.”

Freedom of choice
“Auckland Law School has an extensive range of Law electives available to students. I find it valuable to have such freedom of choice, from a South Pacific Legal Studies elective all the way to a practical Community Law Internship. It’s an excellent feeler to see what you could be interested in.”

Pacific Islands Law Students Association (PILSA)
“Throughout my time at the Law School, I’ve been involved in the Pacific Islands Law Students Association (PILSA) – which has been around since 1993, and is built on the three pillars of Faith, Education, and Culture. Like many other Pacific Islands law students in PILSA, I stand on the shoulders of those who’ve come before me. I love to think of PILSA as my home away from home. I’ve been especially privileged in 2023 to serve on the executive team as the Professional Development Officer. I’ve helped our members to craft their legal personas by networking with firms and other legal entities.”

Community
“The thing I enjoy most about my studies is being surrounded by like-minded people, especially within the Pacific community here. They’re studying Law for more or less the same reason – to serve our people, our villages.”

Go for it!
“My advice for those thinking about making a move to study here at the University of Auckland would simply be to go for it! You never know what awaits you until you take that leap. You’re bound to find your people, and that makes the journey worth it.”

Why Law?
“A Law degree appealed to me as a medium through which anyone can serve others in whatever way they choose. Whether it’s through changing the narrative in the courts, or the decisions of Parliament there are so many opportunities a Law degree offers to cultivate change at a prodigious level.”

Moving to Auckland
“I lived in Hamilton before moving to Auckland for university. At first, Auckland appeared very daunting. However, being in a first-year hall really encouraged me to settle in and make friends across all degrees at the University and soon the city appeared much smaller.”

Social aspects of Law
“The most memorable part of this journey has been the friends I have made. Studying Law allows you to engage with like-minded people who typically have similar goals. This has created an environment that provides support academically and socially during our studies. I also really enjoyed being a part of the Auckland Law Revue. It was a great way to meet new people and also provided a creative outlet for us all!”
 

Sport and study
“Auckland was absolutely the right choice for me. The University offers prestigious programmes for Law and Business – and they also enabled me to continue with my high-performance sports aspirations.

“I played hockey for the Blacksticks full time during my studies. The Law School was extremely accommodating. And the University’s high-performance sports programme provided strong support, especially when sport and university didn’t align perfectly.

Project-based courses
“I found a lot of value in project-based courses. The skills I developed through the Family Law project were transferable to the workplace and very useful.

“The Law School encourages students to take up summer internships, and they work hard to promote all opportunities that arise. That’s how I got a foothold in the workplace.”
 

If you see Ayolabi on campus, chances are he’s speaking up for students, making sure accessibility is not an afterthought but a priority. As President of the Auckland University Disabled Students’ Association (AUDSA) and Disability Rights Officer at AUSA, he is working to create a more inclusive University for all.

Ayolabi didn’t always plan to study law. In high school, he was focused on medicine. However, his health declined during Years 11 and 12, and he realised that the intensity of first-year medical school wouldn’t be manageable.

“I started thinking about other options. I had just finished Youth Parliament and a few people said maybe I should look into law,” Ayolabi says.

He researched, applied, and was fast-tracked into a place at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.

Starting with support

Before his first semester, Ayolabi met with a Student Disability Services (SDS) case manager on campus. Together, they developed an access plan, explored the campus and mapped out where Ayolobi would go and how he would get around. They made sure he knew what to expect and where to find help.

With support from Ratonga Hauātanga Tauira, Student Disability Services (SDS) and his family, especially his mum, Ayolabi made a confident start. He also receives high-needs funding that allows him to employ people to assist him while he’s on campus.

Raising issues, driving change.

When Ayolabi enrolled in his first-year law classes, some lectures were scheduled in rooms he couldn’t access. He and his case manager flagged this with faculty staff. The result: the entire class was moved to a different, accessible location for the year.
 

Since then, Ayolabi has continued speaking up - not just for himself, but for others.
Through his work with AUDSA, he helps students build confidence and community. Through AUSA, he represents disabled students in planning and decision-making spaces across the University.

“I’ve been in meetings about campus buildings and teaching frameworks. It’s been great seeing staff taking a student-focused approach and listening.” Ayolabi says.

Since then, Ayolabi has continued speaking up - not just for himself, but for others.
Through his work with AUDSA, he helps students build confidence and community. Through AUSA, he represents disabled students in planning and decision-making spaces across the University.

“I’ve been in meetings about campus buildings and teaching frameworks. It’s been great seeing staff taking a student-focused approach and listening.” Ayolabi says.

Advice for others

Ayolabi encourages students with disabilities to take the first step.