Audrey Fino is a Lecturer and PhD candidate at the Faculty of Law. Below is a short interview, inquiring about her research and teaching role in the Faculty

What is your specific academic background, and what are your research interests? Do you currently work on any specific research projects?

I have a Doctor of Laws degree (LLD) from the University of Malta and a Masters in International Relations (MSc) from the University of Amsterdam. I am currently also pursuing a PhD at RUG, after a career practising international law at the UN and other international institutions.

I am interested in the intersectional ties between the various specialised fields of public international law, and more specifically, international criminal, humanitarian and human rights law. My current research focuses on the definition of hate speech and incitement in these fields of law so as to identify a common definition which should assist both academics and practitioners.

What courses do you teach within the Faculty? 

I conduct workshops and seminars in both the LLB programme and International Human Rights Law LLM programme. I also coordinate and teach the LLM International Humanitarian Law course and have supervised reports drawn up by our LLM students as part fulfilment of the International Law in Practice course. In addition, I supervise students writing their LLB and LLM theses.

What do you enjoy teaching about these courses?

I love to share my passion of public international law and my practical experience working in international criminal and human rights institutions. I especially enjoy wakening students’ interest in these fields of law, and noting their personal growth in critical thinking and writing. That is a great personal satisfaction!

How are the programmes you teach in unique compared to similar programmes elsewhere?

In International Humanitarian Law, we aim to expose students not only to its basic principles and the challenges it faces, but also its interplay with two other related fields of law: International Criminal Law and Human Rights Law. I think that adds value to the course.

What career prospects do you think there could be for students who pursue careers in your specific legal field of expertise?

I think students tend to think that a career in international humanitarian and human rights law necessarily means working with the UN or other international institution. That is only partly true. There are many options to practise international humanitarian and human rights law, even at the national level (e.g. with non-governmental organisations or national governments). In fact, I often tell students that they should really try and gain national legal experience before applying to international legal positions with the UN. Such national experience is very much valued for UN entry-level positions.

Do you have any advice for students interested in pursuing your same field of legal expertise? 

Gaining practical experience, though internships or a job at the national level, is as important as good academic grades when applying for a job. This is especially so for international positions. Further, it is important to be open to possibilities and grab chances presented by life, even if they were not what you had in mind!

- Interview by: Dr. Chris Brennan, Marketing Advisor, Faculty of Law

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interested in more information about our LLB or LLM programmes? You can ask questions directly to the Faculty by filling out our  information request form.