Online Law Fellowship with Gavin Ridley
A Two-Week Interactive Exploration of International Law
Dates: 7-18 November 2026 (except 12th & 13th)
Eligibility: Grades 8 – 12
Fees: USD 600 + VAT
What Is the Law Fellowship Programme?
The Law Fellowship with Gavin Ridley, is an interactive two-week introduction to legal thinking and a range of legal disciplines.
This eight-session programme introduces students to a range of legal disciplines through a common question: how do legal systems balance competing interests? Sessions explore the principles, institutions and practical dilemmas of law, using historical and contemporary examples to encourage analysis, comparison and debate.
At the heart of the fellowship is a group research project comparing ancient and modern legal systems. Law Through the Ages.
OVERARCHING PROJECT
Law Through the Ages: Balancing Competing Interests
Each student group selects one area of law studied during the programme and investigates how legal systems have addressed a particular conflict between competing interests. The group project brings together legal history, comparative law and critical evaluation.
RESEARCH AND PRESENTATION EXPECTATIONS
- Identify a specific legal issue and explain the interests or values in tension.
- Investigate the approach of at least one ancient legal system, drawing on relevant historical legal evidence.
- Compare approaches in at least two modern legal systems, identifying similarities and differences.
- Consider how social, political, cultural and economic contexts have shaped legal responses over time.
- Offer a reasoned group evaluation of the different approaches and explain which balance of interests is most persuasive.
WHAT STUDENTS CAN EXPECT
Sessions combine accessible introductions to legal concepts with illustrative examples, discussion and opportunities to question how law operates in practice. Student groups will be encouraged to develop a research question early, apply ideas from the sessions to their chosen topic and prepare a concise, evidence-based presentation.
FINAL SESSION
On Wednesday 18 November, student groups present their findings to the group, respond to questions and take part in a concluding discussion about whether legal systems can achieve a fair balance between competing interests.
Meet Your Mentor
Gavin Ridley
International Human Rights Law Specialist | Oxford Law Graduate
Gavin graduated with a law degree from Magdalen College, Oxford and was called to the Bar in 2007.
He has since worked as a legal representative in immigration and human rights law and is currently dual-qualifying as a solicitor.
Alongside his legal practice, he has completed postgraduate study across law-related areas including criminal psychology, international human rights, social policy and animal welfare law.
His professional and academic interests include:
- International human rights law
- Immigration law
- Criminal justice
- Animal rights law
- Social policy
- Space law
His combination of practical legal experience and academic study gives students the opportunity to understand not only the theory behind international human rights law, but how legal principles operate in practice.
Who Should Join?
This programme is designed for Grades 8–12 students who are:
- Interested in Law, Politics or International Relations
- urious about Legal Systems and Competing Interests
- Considering Law as a Future Degree or Career
- Interested in Diplomacy or Model United Nations
- Passionate about Global Affairs and Public Policy
- Looking to Strengthen Research and Critical Thinking Skills
- Interested in Public Speaking and Debate
- Preparing for Competitive University Applications
No prior legal knowledge is required.
Your Voice has Power.
Give it the legal edge.
Futures Abroad
Phone: +971 58 590 6682
Email: contact@futuresabroad.com