From campus to courtroom: Navigating law school at Unisa

Hazra Moosa, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) graduate, started a journey in law that was both daunting and exhilarating. For her, the journey began at Unisa, where she specialised in competition law, trademarks, patents, and copyright law. This niche field drew her interest as it presents unique challenges and promises a growing demand.

Hazra Moosa

As a student at an open-distance learning institution, she enjoyed the flexibility that allowed her to seamlessly balance her work and studies. The freedom to study from anywhere, combined with the comprehensive online resources provided by Unisa, significantly eased her educational journey. Active involvement in campus life was another highlight. Moosa led two law organisations in Durban, empowering fellow students and providing a platform for their collective voice. This leadership role enriched her experience and honed her organisational and interpersonal skills.

One of her proudest moments was winning first place in the Unisa Regional Moot Court competition for two consecutive years. Achievements like these fuelled her passion for law and filled her family with pride. Additionally, the certificates she garnered from various law programs at Unisa significantly bolstered her CV.

Her journey was not without challenges. The onset of Covid-19 posed a significant obstacle, necessitating an abrupt shift to new systems. Adapting to these changes was tough initially, but the support from Unisa — through video tutorials and the resumption of regular semester schedules — helped her navigate this period effectively. Her career and personal goals kept her motivated when the going got tough. She even started an Instagram page chronicling her study journey, which kept her positive and inspired other law students worldwide. The unwavering support of family, friends, and mentors played a crucial role in her perseverance.

An invaluable lesson from her studies was to avoid "banking education," which means memorising information for exams and genuinely understanding and questioning what you learned. This approach and improved research and creative writing skills prepared her for a successful legal career. Unisa's extensive support system was instrumental in achieving her goals. The resources available were immense, from workshops and practical programs to career days and the e-tutor platform. These opportunities expanded her knowledge, enhanced her CV, and clarified her career path.

Her advice to current and future Unisa students is: "Find a source of discipline and momentum, utilise the myriad of platforms and tools available, and engage fully in campus life. These elements will make your study journey smoother and more rewarding." With a degree from a well-recognised institution like Unisa, she is well-equipped to become a renowned attorney.

The skills and independence she developed during her studies are crucial for her future career. She aims to run a multi-disciplinary practice, handling diverse legal matters from the lowest to the highest courts in South Africa. To prospective Unisa students, she urges thorough research on their chosen qualification and their alignment with their career goals. She concludes: "Understanding the post-graduation requirements to make informed decisions about an education path is essential. Education at Unisa is not just a stepping stone but a solid foundation for a successful and fulfilling career in law.”

*By Jo Cossavella, Communications Officer, Unisa KwaZulu-Natal Region