We spoke with law graduate Yinn Tong Bei Teh who recently received the The Debbie Phillips Prize for final-year students. Yinn shared what motivated her to study Law at the University of Bristol, what inspired her most during her studies, and her advice for aspiring Law students.
Why did you decide to study Law at Bristol?
Coming from Malaysia, I wanted to attend a law school that has a global outlook and promotes student diversity.
Through virtual open day Zoom talks with alumni from across the world, I became confident that the University of Bristol Law School was an environment that would support my learning and offer enriching opportunities to shape me into the lawyer I wanted to be.
I felt encouraged after learning that Bristol Law graduates are highly employed in law firms both within and beyond the UK. Overall, I felt enthused about the positive experiences shared by those who have walked this path before me, and looked forward to engaging in the same curriculum and student life.
What has most inspired you during your time at the Law School?
Definitely learning from my expert professors and meeting the most dedicated peers. Being around learned individuals who imparted their knowledge generously during or outside of seminars, and friends who pursued their different legal career paths passionately, has been incredibly inspiring. Group study sessions with my flatmates (all talented Law women) and hashing out legal conundrums together in the kitchen has also been a highlight of my three years.
Congratulations on being one of this year’s final-year student prize winners! How does it feel to have been awarded the prize for The Debbie Phillips Prize?
It is truly an honour receiving such a competitive award! I am grateful for this recognition by the Law School and also for the immense support I have received from my professors, friends and family along the way. Thank you to the family of Debbie Phillips as well for their kind generosity.
What do you plan to do now you have graduated? What are your plans for the future?
All things going well, I will sit for the Singapore bar exams next year and start my training contract at Rajah & Tann Singapore. Taking this step and deciding to move to another country (yet again) was daunting but I am excited to see what this next chapter brings for me. Ultimately, I look forward to practising the law in context (albeit a new one) after having tackled its theoretical aspects.
What advice would you give to students currently considering starting out on their path into Law?
Law is a more versatile degree than you think. The legal field is not only meant for those who speak assertively in a courtroom; instead there are many niches within law or even interests related to it that you can pursue.
Focus on knowing your own strengths and passions, and let that guide you into shaping the law school experience (and subsequently the legal career) that is most well-suited to you.
While law school may seem scarily competitive, know that everyone has different goals and you only need to compete with yourself to improve.
Expect ups and downs. While law school can be as challenging as they say, it can also be vastly rewarding and fulfilling. Try your best to persevere and stay disciplined through inevitable failures and rejections, and you will find that your daily efforts accumulate and you will grow without you knowing. Keep yourself in check when it comes to readings, ask questions when you are puzzled, rectify where you went wrong, and these small habits will bring you your wins.
Do challenging things with friends. In law school, you will encounter new opportunities that push you out of your comfort zone, whether it is a mooting competition or a networking event. I found that doing anything difficult with someone you trust eases your trepidation by half. Know that you do not have to, or rather you should not, go through law school alone. Asking for help will always get you further than not doing so.