Law at Leeds: the degree that made the difference in Indonesia
Dr Ilaria Zavoli met Law alumni in Jakarta to hear how their Leeds education transformed their lives and careers.
Strengthening global ties through education
The School of Law at the University of Leeds continues to build meaningful international connections through its alumni network. As part of this commitment, Dr Ilaria Zavoli (Co-Director International) recently travelled to Jakarta, Indonesia, to meet with Leeds Law graduates and hear firsthand how their degrees have helped shaped their lives and careers.
Her visit was part of a broader initiative to deepen engagement with alumni across Southeast Asia and to celebrate the global impact of a Leeds legal education.
A warm reunion: alumni dinner in Jakarta
At the heart of the visit was a small, intimate alumni dinner hosted in Jakarta. The gathering brought together Leeds Law graduates from various cohorts, now working in fields ranging from corporate law and government policy to banking and academia.
The evening was filled with stories, laughter, and reflections on how their time at Leeds had not only equipped them with legal expertise but also broadened their worldviews and professional ambitions.
It was incredibly moving to hear how a Leeds education has empowered these graduates to change their lives.
Staff support
When asked about any staff who had particularly supported them during their studies Abdilla Lahuddin (LLM – International Business Law, 2019) shared:
Dr Joshua Warburton! He’s amazing. I remember meeting him during orientation and jokingly thinking Ed Sheeran had joined the faculty! He was my dissertation supervisor and supported me a lot during my research. Honestly, if I ever go on to do a PhD, it would be because of his encouragement.
Fidelis Elantyas (LLM International Business Law, 2017) was also full of praise noting that “staff members were friendly and supportive, especially for international students like me who arrived with little information about the University of Leeds.”
Why Leeds was the right choice
Each alumnus shared a unique journey, but a common theme emerged: the transformative power of a Leeds Law degree. Abdilla Lahuddin (‘19) told us:
“Earning my LLM from Leeds has had a big impact on both my personal and professional life. Professionally, it helped me sharpen my critical thinking, communication, and presentation skills. It also improved my legal writing, especially when drafting legal memos or opinions. Having a degree from Leeds gave me more global career opportunities. For example, during my interview with Philip Morris International, the process felt smoother because my manager is also based in the UK and was familiar with the university.”
Personally, studying abroad was a challenge – being far from home (coming from Southeast Asia) – but from the moment I first walked into Leeds, it felt like home. That made everything much easier for me.
For Rian Prawidhana (LLM – International Business, Trade and Tax Law, 2020), it was the active Indonesian student community at the University of Leeds, and the balanced environment of the city, which drew him to Leeds:
This was an important consideration for me, as I was accompanied by my wife and son. Choosing Leeds was truly the best decision for both my studies and my family life.
This decision continues to be a good one for Rian; “My LLM from Leeds has significantly enhanced my career in law, particularly in the areas of regulatory compliance and governance. The knowledge and critical thinking skills I developed during my studies continue to guide my professional decisions and strategic approach in my current role.”
Building bridges: the role of internationalisation
For Dr Zavoli, the trip was a reminder of the importance of maintaining strong ties with our alumni around the world. These connections not only celebrate the success of Leeds graduates but also inspire future students to see the possibilities that lie ahead. She heard from alumni that they had often been introduced to the University of Leeds through other alumni who had attended and recommended it to them.
Internationalisation is more than recruitment – it’s about building lasting relationships. Our alumni are true ambassadors for the School, and the stories of their time at Leeds and the transformative impact on their lives speak volumes.
The School of Law plans to continue strengthening its alumni community, with future events and collaborations in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Join the Leeds Law community
Inspired by the stories from Jakarta? A Master’s degree from the University of Leeds School of Law could be your next step toward a global legal career. With world-class academics, a diverse student body, and a strong international alumni network, Leeds offers a legal education that opens doors worldwide.
