Xenia Kostash, a final-year Law student at the University of Kent, has actively contributed to the Kent Law Clinic as both a volunteer and ambassador. She also chose to take the optional 15-credit clinic module. In her interview, Xenia shares the benefits of studying Law at Kent, offering insights into campus life and the valuable transferable skills she’s gained along the way.
Describe Kent in three words:
Unforgettable, supportive, inspiring
Student Life
What attracted you to studying at Kent?
Kent offers a strong law course, which places a significant focus on critically understanding why these laws exist and how they can be reformed for the better, rather than just teaching knowledge and application. The emphasis on practical experience was also a vast highlight for me.
Any advice to somebody thinking of coming to Kent?
Go for it! The people here are amazing, and the academic and social opportunities are fantastic.
How would you describe your fellow students?
Driven, supportive and intellectually curious.
What about the social life? Are you part of any societies?
Great balance of work and fun. I am a Campus Ambassador for the Law Clinic, working as part of a team to run events and raise money for charity. I also take part in volleyball and bouldering outside of university, which has been a fantastic way to meet people and stay active.
What are your favourite places on campus?
Templeman Library (the benches outside are amazing for a study break), Sibson and the Law Clinic (Wigoder). Each space offers a different vibe, whether for studying, relaxing, or collaborating with others.
Law School Insights
What are your subject facilities like?
Plenty of study spaces/areas all around campus and well-equipped online and in person resources/library. The Law Clinic is an incredible space for practical experience.
How would you describe your lecturers?
Approachable, passionate and always willing to help. Their enthusiasm for their subjects makes learning engaging, and they genuinely care about students’ success.
Which modules have you enjoyed the most, and why?
Many come to mind! I thoroughly enjoyed the Clinical Option, the Law of Succession, Criminal Law, Company Law and Capitalism and Intellectual Property Law. They are all beyond engaging and provide a perfect balance of theoretical depth and real-world examples/application. These modules challenge my thinking while allowing me to explore key legal issues in practice.
How is your course going?
It is definitely challenging but rewarding. Second year was a big leap in terms of balancing multiple commitments and staying organised. However, I’ve grown so much academically and professionally. The content is intellectually stimulating, and I appreciate the variety of perspectives we are encouraged to explore.
Law Clinic Tips
What was your favourite part of getting involved in the Clinic?
Getting hands on experience with real clients and seeing the direct impact of your contributions to casework, research and advice on their lives. I also loved the friendly community fostered within the welcoming environment of the Clinic, as well as the opportunity to work alongside dedicated professionals who are passionate about access to justice.
What did you learn at the Clinic that will be key for your future career?
Practical legal skills, client communication, problem-solving and team work. I also developed a strong ability to think critically under pressure, adapt to complex cases, and manage real legal responsibilities/pressures with professionalism. The experience has helped me build confidence in legal research, drafting advice, and navigating ethical considerations in legal practice.
Did you develop a passion for a specific area of Law? If so, which one and why?
Both social welfare (specifically disability) law and corporate law have fascinated me in my time at the University of Kent.
Disability law interested me as learning about how inaccessible the benefits application process can be and the strict requirements that often prevent people from receiving the support they need has fuelled my wish to transform the system to one of better support and justice.
On the other hand, corporate law blends strategic business decision-making and legal principle to shape how companies operate and grow. I find the fast-paced, high-stakes environment exciting, and the opportunity to work with major companies engaging. The complexity of transactions, from mergers and acquisitions to regulatory compliance, along with the global nature appeal to me, as I am draw to dynamic and diverse industries.
What kind of career do you hope to follow when you leave, and why?
I would love to be a solicitor in corporate law specialising in mergers and acquisitions or in intellectual property law. While also being able to dedicate time to work pro bono and give back to my community, like some of the solicitors that work alongside the Clinic’s weekly advice sessions. I believe in using legal expertise to create both business success and social impact.