Unveiling the Legal World: Representation, Resilience, and Revolutionizing the legal pathway with Annie Bedrosian
Annie is a driven and dedicated individual with a profound interest in the field of law and advocacy. With an insatiable curiosity for the legal system and a keen understanding of the power of advocacy. Annie has a background in criminology at York University, with experience working alongside professors, students, and faculty. Annie is passionate about advocacy, collaboration, and gender equality.
Q: How did you come up with the idea to create pre-law-related content, and what do you hope these resources will accomplish?
A: The goal of these resources is to assist individuals in gaining a better understanding of the field of law and its various aspects. By offering information on different branches of law, legal education, career paths, and important considerations for aspiring lawyers, I hope to empower individuals who are considering or preparing for law school. I want to document my highs and lows throughout this process and the real side of studying into law. The resources aim to provide guidance and support throughout the process of exploring and pursuing a legal career. Whether it's understanding the prerequisites for law school, exploring different areas of law, or getting insights into the legal profession, the intention is to equip individuals with the knowledge and information they need to make informed decisions and succeed in their legal pursuits.
Q: In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing students thinking about careers in law? How can pre-law education such as yours prepare students to face these challenges?
A: In my opinion, some of the biggest challenges facing students thinking about careers in law include, the competitive admissions process, struggling with work-life balance, and financial considerations. I believe mental health concerns are also a major challenge. I recently began struggling with my mental health and it was a bit difficult to receive the help I needed. I hope my account not only opens the door for students to be inspired but to also feel comfortable reaching out for help.
Q: Would you mind telling us more about how you address mental health and imposter syndrome in your content and why you think it is important to discuss these topics within the context of pre-law and the legal profession?
A: Through my content, addressing mental health involves providing information, resources, and strategies to help students maintain their mental well-being throughout their legal journey. This can include discussing the importance of self-care, stress management techniques, seeking support through counseling services, and creating a work-life balance. By acknowledging the potential stressors and challenges students may encounter, my content can help normalise conversations around mental health and encourage individuals to prioritise their well-being. Imposter syndrome, which is the feeling of inadequacy despite evidence of competence, is common among law students and legal professionals. By discussing imposter syndrome, pre-law education can help individuals understand that these feelings are not uncommon and provide strategies to overcome them. This can involve techniques such as reframing negative self-talk, seeking mentorship and support networks, setting realistic expectations, and celebrating achievements. By addressing imposter syndrome, my content seeks to empower individuals and promote confidence in their abilities.
Q: Is it possible for you to speak about the personal experience you have had as a woman in pre-law, and how that has affected your perspective on the legal profession?
A: As a woman in pre-law I feel that it is important to be the representation of young Armenian girls. There is a limited representation of us in the media, so I feel it is necessary to be a role model.
Q: In your opinion, what advice would you give to other young women who are interested in pursuing a career as a lawyer, especially those who might already be facing some obstacles or barriers to their success?
A: My advice would simply be to keep pushing forward. People will try to stop you or make you feel like you are crazy. Unfortunately, when you take on different roles of leadership women are labeled with condescending terms such as bossy, or bitchy. When males are placed in these positions it is considered honorable and assertive.
Q: Would you be able to describe a time when you were impacted by a female mentor or role model, and how did this experience influence your own path in the future?
A: So many women have inspired me, especially my mother. My mother is not only my role model but the template of my life. She is what I dream of being, she truly is the perfect mother, sister, wife, and daughter and I aspire to be like her.
Q: Based on your experience, what are some ways that civic education can assist young women in becoming more active and effective advocates for themselves and their communities and able to exercise their right to vote?
A: Getting into advocacy might seem hard but I had learned something after a recent summit. Firstly, if you care about human rights, everything comes after. Taking the first step to just supporting human rights then comes issues of period poverty, homelessness, etc. Secondly, getting involved in charities, NGOs, and so many resources are available for young students which I post on my social media page for students.
You can find more of Annie and her content @legallyannie on Instagram. Good luck with your studying Annie!