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Stephanie’s story

I think the impact of my work is mostly visible through my students.” Stephanie Berry
Senior Lecturer in Human Rights Law

‘Human rights is an incredibly competitive field, but also a space where people with the right skills, experience and determination can make a real difference.

I’ve been at Sussex for over 10 years, and it’s always felt like home. My work explores areas such as minority rights and freedom of religion, and draws on social psychology to explore how international human rights law can make societies more cohesive.

I’m also convenor of the Human Rights Law Clinic module, where Master of Laws (LLM) students support external clients who may not have the time or capacity to explore particular research areas themselves. It’s a significant amount of work, but opens doors for those who take part.

Working in small groups, students develop research projects in response to client briefs. We combine backgrounds and skillsets, mixing perspectives and balancing personalities to give everyone the opportunity to perform at their best. Throughout the project, students develop transferable skills, gain collaborative experience, and learn to respond to client needs with insight and originality.

We’ve previously worked with organisations including Human Rights Watch, Child Rights Connect and Amnesty International, along with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Minority Rights Group and Global Rights Compliance. We’ve even connected with UN Special Rapporteurs.

Employers love the Clinic, which has helped many students progress to careers in policy, advocacy and research. Some have joined the Civil Service Fast Stream, while others have secured internships that have evolved into further positions. One graduate utilised their Clinic experience to intern at an organisation that they later returned to as Head of the Legal Team, while another is now on the Commission rewriting the constitution of South Sudan.

I think the impact of my work is mostly visible through my students. I teach them the things they need to make people’s lives better, and they change the world – which is a real privilege to see.’

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