'De Law Hub inspired me to continue to work with organizations that prioritize the well-being of others through the practice of human centred design.'

'Before this internship, I was already somewhat familiar with legal innovation, but the Law Hub’s unique approach left a deep impression on me. The Hub works on many projects that are closely connected to the Amsterdam community and supports people from a variety of backgrounds. I was able to take part in several aspects of this work. Below, I’ll share some of the experiences that have inspired me and shaped my future direction.'

'First, I assisted in teaching and community education. This included supporting courses at the University of Amsterdam on Justice Entrepreneurship and participating in the Legal Start-up Event. Through teaching, I learned how young people in the Netherlands view justice and what goals they have in closing justice gaps. I hope I was able to pass on my passion for legal design to a new generation of lawyers who seek change.'

Collaborate, innovate and learn

'At several events throughout the summer, I had the chance to speak with legal innovators from all over the world. It was amazing to talk to so many people working to bring their ideas to life with the support of the Hub. These conversations were insightful and helped me understand the many benefits of legal innovation — including real, meaningful change.'

'In addition, thanks to the Hub’s strong ties to researchers, I had the opportunity to collaborate with a prominent professor at the UvA on employment law research. Being part of international research was a fantastic experience and gave me a fresh perspective on my own legal interests. I also learned a lot from the many organizations working within the Hub. I gained valuable insight into how NGOs support legally creative missions. Witnessing the sheer volume of impactful work happening in the Hub — and being part of it — was truly inspiring.'

Integrating legal design into my future career

'This opportunity gave me hands-on experience with legal innovation and showed me how to support an incubator advancing the fields of human rights and climate justice. I observed legal design projects at all stages — from ideation to prototyping to community outreach. In doing so, I came to understand that the law means different things to different people at different times. In a way that felt almost poetic, I saw how innovative legal projects can allow people to find strength in something that once felt like a burden.'

'I now feel much better prepared to integrate legal design into my future career as a lawyer in the United States. This experience has inspired me to continue working with organizations that put people’s well-being at the center through human-centered design. The Amsterdam Law Hub had so much to teach me this summer, and I’m incredibly grateful to have been surrounded by kind, passionate people committed to making the legal system more just — for everyone.'