Nick Sheffield is a graduating JD student from North Vancouver, BC. Over the past three years, he has focused on public interest litigation with an emphasis on trans-systemic and international environmental law. Nick was the first law student to go on exchange with UVic Law’s partner institution in Bhutan, the Jigme Singye Wangchuck School (JSW) of Law. Nick also helped support UVic Law’s first inbound Bhutanese exchange student in Victoria.
What was your favourite memory at UVic?
I should say meeting my partner, but I think my proudest memory from my time at UVic was preparing and presenting a set of policy proposals on drug law reform for young offenders to a committee of the Bhutanese parliament during my exchange. It marked the culmination of several months of research by myself and other students participating in the Human Dignity Clinic at JSW. It was gratifying to see some of our proposals adopted in a draft reform bill shortly after I departed. Beyond the personal level, this is probably the most impactful thing I was involved with during my time at UVic. It’s a testament to the unexpected opportunities offered by international exchanges.
What was your favourite spot on campus?
The couches at the back of the law library. They’re well heated, allow you to chat with friends or get down to work. The chairs were also comfortable enough for a quick nap when the intricacies of admin law required it.
Who was your most impactful professor?
Asad Kiyani, Mark Zion and Victor Ramraj. All three inspired me to explore some of the more esoteric career paths you can pursue with a law degree. If you see me serving on an international court or in a local coffee shop in a couple of decades, it will be thanks to these three.
What were a few of your extracurricular highlights?
Whether it’s been kayaking with whales or destroying my knees trying to trail-run Mt. Finlayson, the outdoors kept me sane during my time studying law. There is so much nature at your doorstep living and studying in Victoria. The mountains are a bit far away during the winter, but after two years of complaining about this —UVic sent me to the Himalayas.
Where did you end up?
After graduating, I have a clerkship with the Constitutional Court of South Africa. I am currently exploring articling options relating to constitutional law and human rights litigation for when I return. Beyond that, to quote Zhou Enlai, “it’s too early to say.”
What’s been your favourite learning experience in the Law program?
Without a doubt the opportunity to go on exchange to Bhutan. It was a true privilege to be able to study and explore such a different culture and legal system. The UVic Law Co-op Program set me up with some fantastic work placements.
UVic in one word
Transformative.
