School of Law student takes the lead as Rule of Law Journal editor

Miles Procter, a 2nd year Law with French Law LLB student, shares how he balances studying, editing the Rule of Law journal for Lawyers Without Borders Leeds Student Division, and his other pursuits.

For Miles, who is originally from Devon in Southwest England, growing up with a lawyer in the house meant Law was always in the back of his mind. “From loving studying philosophy and politics as part of my international baccalaureate studies, Law seemed the perfect mix of an intellectual challenge and engagement with all aspects of the real world. Also studying French, I knew I wanted to pursue this at university level to improve my fluency and global engagement.” 

As Leeds is one of the few UK Universities which offers the Law with French Law LLB, Miles knew he had to visit.

I loved the campus and student area, and, after reading more about my course, I knew it was going to be a good choice.

The Rule of Law Journal 

Since arriving at Leeds two years ago, Miles has thrown himself into his studies, and many extra-curricular activities, including writing for the Rule of Law Journal, where the student society Lawyers Without Borders Leeds Student Division publishes academic submissions from talented students at the University of Leeds. 

I heard about the Rule of Law Journal as a fresher in first year and it immediately struck me as something I wanted to get involved with. It offered the opportunity to write articles and pursue research on topics of international significance.

During his first year, Miles successfully had two articles published, “one was on the role and recruitment of Child Soldiers and its human rights implications and, the other, on how the world’s media can paint a false picture of world events and distort our perceptions of human rights violations globally.” 

Overcoming challenges while editing the Rule of Law Journal: Miles’ experience 

This year Miles has been editor-in-chief of the journal and is effusive in his praise of his fellow students: “Editing the journal has allowed me to read some really good articles that students have written alongside their studies (so double impressive!). I’ve loved playing a key role in taking these articles and managing a platform for them to get their work published online.” 

I think it’s really nice to play a part in students exploring passions in research and legal journalism which isn’t an opportunity available to all at this stage in our careers!

There have been challenges though as Miles notes: “I think in my time as editor-in-chief the biggest challenge was spreading the word about what we do! Lawyers Without Borders Leeds Student Division is a small society and our reach is fairly limited. Despite advertising on the School of Law’s opportunity pages and asking other societies to spread awareness about the journal, we were always hoping more people would engage with it.” 

Balancing societies, hobbies and life at Leeds 

Lawyers Without Borders Leeds Student Division isn’t the only student society that Miles is involved with at University.  

I am currently the social secretary of the university’s French Society! This is a lot of fun and it’s been great organising and going to lots of events across the year with both students studying French and French students on years abroad. I’ve also dipped in and out of the tennis society and writing articles on books and culture for The Gryphon throughout my time in Leeds!

Miles also ensures he sets aside time to relax despite his busy schedule, “...a big part of relaxing for me is spending lots of time with my friends, but I also read a lot... I’ve loved exploring more literature and history in both English and French. I also love spending time cooking good meals and getting out for runs in the mornings!” 

 

Looking to the future 

When we asked Miles about his plans for his career, it was clear that he is still exploring his options. “I’ve got some work experience lined up to further explore the classic training contract route for becoming a solicitor and whether this is for me or not. However, I don’t want to tunnel myself into a career in Law, as a Law degree opens so many more doors. I’m also looking to gain experience in the journalism/publishing industry and hopefully build a career with a foot in both Law and media!” 

Miles highly recommends getting involved with the Rule of Law Journal: 

It’s such a great opportunity for students to try researching and writing articles for your own interest. At the Rule of Law Journal, accessibility is our top priority, and we always want to get as many people involved as possible, regardless of one’s experience in writing or the quality of their article.

“I know that the Lawyers without Borders Team is extremely friendly and approachable, and the editor-in-chief for the next academic year would be more than happy to offer advice and guidance on how to get involved and how to start the writing process!” 

To find out more about the Lawyers Without Borders Leeds Student Division, and writing for their Rule of Law Journal, click here.  

If you are interested in studying Law with French Law LLB like Miles, click here.