Law Graduate Rukhsar sets up The Legal Lynk
Rukhsar Jahangir
Law with Criminology (Hons) Graduate
Hi everyone, my name is Rukhsar Jahangir, and I have just graduated in Law with Criminology (Hons) at the University of Huddersfield. I am the co-founder and director of The Legal Lynk, a dynamic social enterprise dedicated to empowering women in Law.
What is The Legal Lynk?
The Legal Lynk is a dynamic social enterprise dedicated to empowering women and encouraging them to take part in networking in the legal sector within their communities. We focus on fostering an inclusive, safe, and encouraging environment for women from all backgrounds and of all ages.
Barriers include the presence of alcohol in settings, pricing, distance as well as location. Locally there is a lack of inclusive events which makes most networking events inaccessible for aspiring women to attend, which may be holding them back professionally. Our mission is to change this and bridge the gap between the legal professionals and women who are seeking support, looking for guidance and ensuring they do not miss out on future career opportunities.
We are also working with families, as well as the community to raise awareness, break barriers and improve accessibility to opportunities. This will assist in providing women in law with the confidence they need to progress as well as a safe space to discuss barriers and obstacles they face on their legal journeys.
What was your inspiration for starting The Legal Lynk?
My inspiration to start The Legal Lynk was due to the overwhelming social media response after some of my academic achievements were published in the local news. The barriers and struggles other women in Law experienced, made me determined to make a change and assist others to feel they can excel and have a support network.
Outside of the University, I also struggled to find a positive legal support network which are both accessible and inclusive. This motivated me to create a change.
What support did you receive from the University of Huddersfield?
Despite struggling with my health throughout my time at university. The University supported me to a huge extent by providing me with amazing opportunities such as participating in The Supreme Court Competition. The Student Guidance & Support team worked to provide a great support plan to help me reach my goal, not only to graduate but to carry on with my daily life.
The constant support and encouragement increased my self-belief which has made my achievements possible in extenuating circumstances. All staff are focused on being student centred and without this foundation, I would not have had the confidence to take such huge steps.
Other roles such as being a student rep and student ambassador at The University has allowed me to build my confidence and create this initiative.
What has happened since you graduated from the University of Huddersfield?
I was invited The House of Lords for the South Asian Women Gamechangers in Law Event due to the work of The Legal Lynk and have also had The President of The Law Society, Lubna Shuja, working with us on our South Asian Heritage Month project. We have also had the opportunity to be on the radio.
What are your plans for the future?
Having secured a scholarship by The Honourable Society of Middle Temple and The Career Commitment Scholarship, I am now enrolled on to the Barrister Training Course at BPP Leeds. I plan to become a Barrister and work within the Yorkshire Region. I hope to help many more aspiring women via The Legal Lynk. The Legal Lynk will be having its official launch event soon as we are in the process of gaining sponsors.
More information
If you would like to find out more about our Law courses, please click on the following link - https://hud.ac.uk/subjects/law/
You can also find The Legal Lynk on social media.
https://www.instagram.com/thelegallynk/
https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Legal-Lynk/100093418098091/