Alumni stories: Dea Nini (International Human Rights Law LLM, 2023)
We spoke to School of Law alumna Dea Nini about her time at Leeds, the academic experiences that shaped her, and her career at the forefront of strategic human rights litigation and advocacy.
Why did you choose to study at Leeds?
Dea’s decision to study at the University of Leeds followed a careful and deliberate process, shaped by her strong academic background and her application for the Chevening Scholarship.
I began researching universities almost a year in advance, particularly because I was applying for the Chevening Scholarship, which required me to identify my choices early on.
Having received unconditional offers from three universities, she ultimately chose Leeds for the strength, depth and breadth of its International Human Rights Law programme, as well as the balance offered by the city itself.
Leeds has the quality and energy of a leading academic city, but also a sense of calm that allows you to slow down when you need to.
What was your journey to Leeds?
Originally from Vlorë, Albania, Dea had already begun working as a legal expert in human rights before moving to the UK, focusing on equality and justice particularly for marginalised communities in the Balkans.
Being awarded a Chevening Scholarship was a defining moment:
It opened the door not only to studying at Leeds, but also to becoming part of a global community of people who are driven to create meaningful change.
Which modules and staff had the biggest impact on you?
Several modules played a central role in shaping Dea’s academic thinking, career direction and future ambitions. These included Comparative International Human Rights Law taught by Professor Ilias Trispiotis, International Human Rights Law taught by Dr Stuart Wallace, and Inequalities, Law and Justice taught by Professor Mitchell Travis.
They challenged me to think more critically, to question assumptions, and to engage with human rights law as a dynamic and evolving field.
Dea also credits her dissertation supervisor, Dr Rosie Fox, with helping her connect academic research with real‑world legal strategies.
I remain deeply grateful to Professor Ilias Trispiotis, Dr Stuart Wallace, Professor Mitchell Travis, and Dr Rosie Fox for the role they played in shaping the way I think, work, and approach the law today.
What are your fondest memories from your time at Leeds?
When reflecting on her time at Leeds, Dea speaks warmly about both the people and the place.
What stays with me most from Leeds is a sense of warmth, both from the people and from the city itself.
One building in particular remains symbolic:
When I think of Leeds, I always think of the Parkinson Building. It became a quiet symbol for me, of ambition, resilience, and the feeling of being exactly where I was meant to be.
What have you been doing since graduating?
Since graduating, Dea has returned to Albania, where she is based as a lawyer and human rights consultant, working at the intersection of strategic litigation and international advocacy. After completing her LLM, she qualified as a licensed lawyer, a move she describes as allowing her to shift “from legal analysis into direct legal representation.”
As a sole practitioner, Dea now leads some of the country’s first strategic litigation cases aimed at securing civil rights for marginalised communities, while also engaging with UN human rights mechanisms and Council of Europe frameworks. Reflecting on the impact of her studies, she notes that her time at Leeds reshaped her approach to the law, seeing litigation “as part of a broader strategy for advancing legal and social change.”
In parallel, I conduct legal research, contribute to policy development, and deliver capacity building trainings for law practitioners in Albania, focusing on international human rights standards and case law.
What does a typical day look like for you, and what do you enjoy most about your work?
“I work as a lawyer and legal strategist, leading strategic litigation cases and contributing to policy and legal reforms, while also engaging with international human rights mechanisms and training justice professionals.
A typical day can range from drafting legal arguments and representing clients to coordinating with institutions or contributing to international advocacy processes.”
What I value most is the opportunity to work on cases that have the potential to create systemic change, especially in contexts where human rights are still contested.
Alongside her professional commitments, Dea is intentional about carving out time away from work.
And of course, in between all of that, I try to maintain some balance by spending time playing and napping with my cat, Suki, and my girlfriend.
How has your law degree from Leeds helped you in your career so far?
Dea’s studies at Leeds played a key role in strengthening her analytical approach and equipping her to work confidently across jurisdictions. The programme supported her engagement with international and regional legal institutions and reinforced the value of comparative legal thinking.
My degree from Leeds has been instrumental in strengthening both my legal reasoning and my confidence in engaging with international frameworks.
Her time at Leeds also influenced how she understands the purpose and potential reach of legal work.
Most importantly, it shifted how I see litigation, not simply as a collection of individual cases, but as part of a broader strategy for advancing legal and social change.
What advice would you give to current or prospective students?
Dea encourages students to fully engage with their time at Leeds, both academically and personally.
Do not be afraid of the difficult moments. Welcome the challenge, trust yourself, and also allow yourself to enjoy the small things along the way.
She adds:
Leeds is not just a place where you study. It is a place that shapes how you think, how you work, and how you see your place in the world.
If you are interested in following in Dea’s footsteps and studying for a Masters degree at the School of Law, click here to find out more and apply.
