What inspired you to become the president of the Cambridge University Law Society (CULS)?

I was drawn to the role because I’ve always had a strong desire to lead and improve the communities I am part of. Growing up in Singapore, I was raised with a deep sense of social responsibility. In my second year, I served as head coordinator of the Pro Bono Department at CULS. I spoke with many students about the idea of starting a legal clinic at the Law Faculty – a change I felt passionate about and wanted to drive forward as president.

Beyond that, as an international student and Asian woman, I was inspired by others that came before me who had similar backgrounds. It helped me to imagine myself in the role and I wanted to take up this personal challenge.

“As an international student and Asian woman, I was inspired by others that came before me who had similar backgrounds”

During your presidency, you expanded the Pro Bono Department of CULS. What impact has this generated?

We had an incredible Pro Bono team this year, who creatively transformed old events into newer ones. We organised a movie night to raise funds for an upcoming partnership with the Environmental Law Foundation.

We also continued working with the Law Faculty on the long-term goal of establishing a legal clinic. While this has been an ongoing effort for about four years, we have made steady progress, despite the many logistical and institutional challenges. I think it’s not always easy to see efforts in this area as there is so much behind-the-scenes work, but each year CULS is getting a step closer to making it a reality.

CULS has hosted a plethora of speakers, including judges, legal scholars, and leading advocates. Who has inspired you the most, and why?

This year, we were honoured to host two Supreme Court justices – Lady Rose and Lady Simler, currently the only women sitting on the UK Supreme Court. They spoke candidly about the challenges they faced as women at the Bar 30 years ago, and I found their experiences incredibly powerful and inspiring. When I first arrived at Cambridge, I too faced similar doubts about my ability to excel at this university, where everything seemed foreign. Hearing from women at the very top of the legal profession, who had faced their own battles, was reassuring and empowering. Even though our backgrounds are different, their resilience, confidence, and wisdom continue to inspire me.

“Hearing from women at the very top of the legal profession [...] was reassuring and empowering”

What connections have meant the most to you through your time in CULS?

One of the most rewarding parts of my time with CULS has been the personal connections I have made. I got to know everyone on my committee very well, and formed some of my closest friendships through CULS, especially with other Law students. We would study together, attend events, and support one another throughout the ups and downs of university life. In terms of professional connections, I am grateful for the unique opportunity to work with Supreme Court Judges and graduate recruitment teams from top law firms.

After graduation, what is next for you?

I’m currently at Harvard Law School (HLS) pursuing a Master’s in Law – I’m really excited about working in a legal clinic and getting hands-on experience. I had once worked on a fundraising project for survivors of domestic violence and marital conflict, so I will be joining the Housing Law Clinic, where I can work with women and survivors of domestic violence who are facing housing instability. Post Master’s, my plans are super open – I’m keen on pursuing commercial law, and hope to be involved in the judiciary or legislation both in the UK, and back at home one day!