From Finalist to Facilitator

As mentioned, last year, I experienced Surrey Law Society as a member stepping into opportunities for the first time. This year, I’ve had the privilege of shaping them.

One of the most defining experiences of my first year was competing in the Mooting Competition and progressing to the Supreme Court round as a finalist. I was so worried and honestly unsure of if I would even make it past the first round. I was intimidated as a first year freshly entering the university atmosphere, but ultimately I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone. Each round demanded something different, and with every stage, I felt myself grow; not just in legal knowledge, but in confidence, composure, and advocacy.

The early rounds were about building foundations: structuring arguments, understanding case law, and learning how to think like a lawyer under pressure. As the competition progressed, the expectations became sharper. It was no longer just about what you knew, but how you delivered it, how you responded to judicial intervention, how you adapted, and how you maintained clarity under scrutiny.

Here I am with my fellow finalists, Daniel Kurek (Current Mooting Officer), Arnaud Le Novere (Current Client Interviewing Officer) and Anesu Mugodi (Current Vice President), with Nihad Nadil Siyam (Current President), as well as our very own Surrey Lecturers Thekli Anastasiou, and Lord Richards, after completing our final round in the UKSC.

Reaching the Supreme Court round was a turning point. Standing there, presenting at the highest level of the competition, I realised how far I had come. Side note, but hearing Lord Richards himself make a joke mid-way through one of my submissions caught me extremely off gaurd, and in that moment, obviously after a slight panicked face at Nihad attempting to express "Hahaha what do I do please help!", quickly grounded me. Throughout submissions, questions, or even a small joke, I knew to keep professionalism while not crumbling under pressure. It was no longer just about competing, it was about representing the standard of the society itself. That experience solidified my understanding of how impactful these opportunities are, and how much they can shape a student’s confidence and future aspirations.

But what stood out even more was the environment around it. Compared to my first impressions of the society, I could already see a shift; more structure, more ambition, and a clearer focus on creating meaningful opportunities for students.

This year, becoming part of the committee as Negotiations Officer allowed me to contribute directly to that growth.

One of my main goals was to revive and elevate the competitions sector, particularly negotiations, into something that was not only engaging but professionally relevant. Through organising the Negotiations Competition, I worked to create an experience that mirrored real-world legal practice which is challenging, dynamic, and rewarding.

A key milestone in this process was establishing a connection with TWM Solicitors, which led to the Negotiation Finals Networking Event on the 18th March. This is more than just a final round, it is an opportunity for students to engage directly with legal professionals, gain insight into the profession, and begin building meaningful connections, speaking to early careers professionals, as well as higher ups.

Alongside this, I have also supported and judged in other competitions, contributing to the wider competitions culture within the society. Being involved on both sides, as a competitor and as an organiser, has given me a unique perspective on what makes these opportunities truly valuable.

Looking back, the difference between last year and now is clear. The society has grown not just in activity, but in purpose. There is a stronger emphasis on professional development, collaboration, and creating experiences that genuinely benefit members.

Being part of that change has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my time at Surrey.

It has shown me that a Law Society is not defined by the number of events it runs, but by the impact those events have on its members. It is about creating opportunities that challenge, support, and inspire.

And that is exactly what I hope to continue building as Vice President.