Hi everyone! My name is Maya Al Saadi, and I am a second-year Law LLB student currently serving as Negotiations Officer for Surrey Law Society, where I have had the privilege of reviving one of the society’s most demanding and professionally engaging initiatives. 

Through organising negotiation competitions, working with law firms, supporting other committee members and coordinating events with students and legal professionals alike, alongside my experience working within the legal industry, I have gained first-hand understanding in creating opportunities that genuinely benefit Surrey law students. This role has shown me what it truly takes to make a great Law Society. It is not simply about events, but about the experiences, opportunities and community it creates. I believe that a Vice President plays a crucial role in fostering these opportunities, which is why I am running for this role.

Last year, I experienced Surrey Law Society primarily as a member. Over the past year, becoming part of the committee has allowed me to contribute directly to its growth and development. As a finalist in the Supreme Court round of mooting in my first year and now serving as Negotiations Officer, I have experienced the society from both perspectives and understand how valuable these opportunities are for our members. This has given me a clear and unique understanding of how to facilitate opportunities within the society and ensure it benefits its members best. For example, through organising the Negotiations Competition, I helped strengthen connections between our members and legal professionals, including linking Surrey Law Society with TWM Solicitors for the Negotiation Finals Networking Event. As Vice President, I want to build on this progress by continuing to expand these connections and create even more opportunities for our members.

As Vice President, my aim would be to:

• Support the President, Treasurer and committee in delivering impactful events that benefit the entire Law society community

• Assist and work alongside committee members to support their initiatives and ensure events run smoothly and successfully

• Expand opportunities for practical legal experience, including competitions, skill-building workshops, mentorship meetings, academic support initiatives and career-focused events

• Enhance the sense of community within the society, encouraging collaboration with firms, other societies and universities

• Strengthen professional connections by building relationships with law firms and legal professionals to bring more networking opportunities to Surrey students

• Ensure every members’ voice is heard, so that the Law Society continues to reflect what students truly want from it
   

Through my active involvement in student societies and competitions at Surrey, I have seen how leadership, collaboration, and practical experience shape a strong student community. This has given me a clear understanding of how to facilitate opportunities within the society and recognise what members need from it, helping ensure the Law Society is run in a way that best benefits its students. Additionally, I am the Arab Society Events Manager and Social Secretary for the second year running. I organise large-scale events and bring together students not only from across the university, but also from other universities, increasing collaboration and helping societies grow their reach and impact. These experiences have allowed me to develop my ability to coordinate complex projects, support teams, and create environments where people feel confident participating and contributing.

However, what truly drives me to run for Vice President is the belief that Surrey Law Society has the potential to become one of the most professionally connected and student-focused law societies. I have seen the incredible transformation of our society from last year, and as Vice President, I would be eager and committed to help ensure that our society continues to grow not only in size, but in impact. I want Surrey law students to feel that they have been part of a society that supported their ambitions, developed their skills, and connected them with the legal profession.
I would be honoured to have your support!