Why did you decide to study Law?
In high school, I enjoyed thinking about social issues and, above all, debating them. I wanted to learn how I could put my commitment into practice. That’s how I ended up studying law at Universiteit van Amsterdam. In addition, the law plays a major role in determining how -or how not- we live together. I also wanted to gain a better understanding of that by studying law.
Have you always wanted to do this?
Not from the very beginning. As my studies progressed, I gained a clearer understanding of where my own interests lay. Although the bachelor’s program gave me a broad and solid legal foundation, I realized that my passion lies primarily in the protection of minorities in society and human rights in general. These topics received relatively limited attention during my bachelor’s program, which made me realize that I wanted to delve deeper into them after graduation.
In my third year, I participated in an exchange program in Canada, and that’s where my perspective really shifted. They offered courses there that were more in line with my interests, such as “Law & Social Change.” That course explored how marginalized groups and emancipation movements can use the very law—which sometimes oppresses them—to pursue equality. After my exchange and seeing the specialization options in the master’s program, I knew for sure that I wanted to continue as a lawyer.
What was your experience with the program at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
What I found particularly refreshing was that the program recognized and discussed the intersections between law and (geo)politics. Migration has, of course, been a (too) major issue in recent elections, and that’s true for many countries around us as well. The legal reality therefore doesn’t always align with how things actually play out in practice. I appreciated that the program paid attention to this. In addition to a solid doctrinal approach to current laws and regulations, it was also very valuable that most courses included discussions of theoretical and critical literature.
Were there any specific courses or projects that you found particularly interesting?
I thought the course that kicked off the program, “Refugee and Family Migration Law,” was a great start to the program. The key principles of refugee law and family reunification were taught in that course, which laid a strong foundation for the rest of the year.
How did the program prepare you for your career?
Very well. First and foremost, it helped me understand the key regulations and case law within immigration law. But, perhaps more importantly, the program also helped me develop a critical approach to the law. That helps enormously in my current work as a lawyer, because every day I see people who have to live with the sometimes unjust outcomes of those rules.
Which skills or knowledge from the program do you use most in your work?
Right now, I mainly assist people who have applied for asylum or those who want to reunite with family members abroad. It goes without saying, but what I learned during the master’s program about asylum law and family reunification still comes in handy every day. I also sometimes refer to the important (European) case law we discussed during the program when conducting my legal proceedings.
It’s also great that the professors in this master’s program are all experienced academics who write and publish extensively. The feedback I received from them -both on content and style- is incredibly helpful to me when drafting legal documents every day.
What insights have you gained so far in your career?
What was quite surprising to me when I started as a lawyer was the amount of administrative work and the importance of procedural law. I think that, like many others, I was primarily interested in substantive law during my studies. In practice, matters such as deadlines, the presentation of evidence, and applying for legal aid (a court-appointed attorney) are also very important for providing effective representation.
Can you give an example of what you’re currently working on in your role?
Today I had my client from Ghana here at the office for a meeting to prepare them for the asylum procedure in the Netherlands. They are a genderqueer activist and, through their foundation, are committed to strengthening the position of sexual minorities in Africa. During such an introductory meeting, I explain what someone can expect from the asylum process here and what my role as a lawyer is.
I also had a hearing this morning for a Turkish family whose asylum application The Netherlands refuses to process, claiming that Switzerland is responsible.
What do you like most about your current job?
What gives me the most energy is when someone receives a residence permit thanks to my help, or when I’m able to prevent someone’s right of residence from being revoked. It might seem obvious, but that’s ultimately what has made me the happiest. I also find it very rewarding to speak every day with people who come from different cultures and backgrounds. It’s special -though sometimes painful- that these conversations are very personal. I learn a great deal from them.
Was it easy for you to find a job?
During my studies, I was already working at the law firm Prakken d’Oliveira in Amsterdam and as a student assistant at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. After graduation, I essentially continued along those two paths, first working for a while at VU Amsterdam as a lecturer and now at Cleerdin & Hamer as an attorney. Fortunately, that went fairly smoothly.
What are your ambitions for the coming years?
Unfortunately, we live in a time when xenophobia and racism against migrants have become normalized. In the coming years, I therefore hope to become an increasingly better lawyer, but I also want to be a source of moral support for clients who sometimes came here with more humane expectations.
What contribution do you hope to make to society based on your expertise?
There are many misconceptions about how and why people migrate in general, as well as about the laws and regulations. I hope I can contribute to addressing this and help dispel some of the distorted perceptions of migrants. For some, I think migrants will always be a scapegoat, but hopefully not for everyone.
Do you have any advice for current students considering a career in this field?
If you’re unsure about immigration law, I think it’s a good idea to ask yourself what you hope to achieve as a lawyer. Who would you like to help, and what gives you a sense of fulfillment? I also think it’s important to keep in mind that this can be a challenging area of law to work in. Especially if you’re practicing law, you can quickly find yourself dealing with very personal interests and harrowing situations. You have to be able to handle that as well.
Do you have any advice for alumni who have just graduated and are looking to start their careers?
I would tell alumni to have coffee with lots of people before making a decision about their career. There are many paths you can take, and it’s actually impossible to make a well-considered choice on your own.
