Sabreen Hussain

A graduate lawyer with a focus on Commercial Law, Sabreen is a passionate advocate for marginalised and disadvantaged communities and never forgets the human experience behind the application of law.

Tell us about yourself and what motivated you to specialise in this area of law.

After graduating I commenced my career at Allens, where I am currently completing my second graduate rotation in Technology, Media, and Telecommunications, following a rotation in Commercial Litigation. While at UNSW, I was actively involved in negotiation and mediation competitions, which sparked my passion for solving complex commercial problems and using creativity and business insight to deliver pragmatic, commercially sound legal solutions. Combined with my broader interest in international business, this motivated me to pursue a career in commercial law, where I can work with diverse clients and industries navigating evolving commercial challenges.

Why is studying law important?

“Studying law is important because it cultivates critical thinking and sharp analytical skills.”

This enables individuals to assess complex situations and construct logical, well-reasoned arguments from multiple perspectives. It deepens one’s understanding of how society and the law continuously influence each other, particularly how legal systems both reflect and shape social values, norms, and behaviours. The discipline equips you with a versatile skill set, including persuasive communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities that are valuable across all professional fields. Studying law fosters social awareness and responsibility, empowering individuals to engage with issues of justice and fairness, subsequently driving positive societal change.

How did your time at UNSW help shape who you are today, and did you see yourself where you are now in your first year?

The opportunities and high standard of education at UNSW were instrumental in shaping the lawyer I am today. Interactive, discussion-based tutorials created an engaging environment where I could debate and explore different perspectives.

Additionally, UNSW’s lecturers were not only experts in their fields but also deeply invested in their students’ success

They consistently provided thoughtful feedback and took the time to clarify challenging concepts in a supportive learning environment. Further, being surrounded by motivated and talented peers pushed me to strive for excellence and embrace new challenges, allowing me to and grow personally and professionally.

In my first year at university, I imagined myself working in the political sphere, perhaps as a political adviser, policy writer, or even a politician. I was also drawn to the media and pictured a career combining media with law as an in-house lawyer at the ABC or SBS. This is very different from my high school aspirations where I wanted to be a zoologist and study Tigers (alas, I did not have a knack for science! Probably for the best as I do not think I would have fared well camping in the Indian Jungle).

What is one of the biggest challenges you face in your field of work?

One of the biggest challenges I have faced in commercial law is the lack of diversity, particularly at senior levels. While my firm has taken meaningful steps to foster inclusion, such as providing halal food, prayer spaces, and hosting culturally inclusive events, these initiatives often address surface-level diversity rather than the deeper structural inequities that persist.

Celebrating differences is an important step, but true inclusivity requires systemic change, including equitable pathways for career progression, mentorship opportunities, and recognition of diverse perspectives in decision-making.

Navigating these challenges has strengthened my resilience and commitment to contributing to a more inclusive professional culture.

How does working with community groups impact the way you practice law, and what is your biggest takeaway from volunteering?

Working with community groups, particularly through the Islamophobia Register Australia and the Allens Pro Bono Clinic, has profoundly shaped my approach to legal practice. These experiences have shown me that legal issues are never abstract, they impact real people facing discrimination, housing insecurity, and financial hardship. My biggest takeaway from volunteering is the value of perspective and empathy in legal practice. Engaging with diverse communities has highlighted that the law is most effective when it is inclusive, practical, and grounded in an understanding of peoples lived experiences. Application of the law requires compassion, patience, and a genuine commitment to justice.

What advice would you give current law students approaching the end of their degree, as they look ahead at their early careers?

I would advise students to engage with lawyers across different practice areas to understand the realities of day-to-day legal work. The profession is diverse, and firsthand insights can clarify what truly excites them. I would also encourage students to make the most of every opportunity available, such as mentorship, volunteer work, or participating in mooting, negotiation, or client-interviewing competitions. These experiences not only develop practical skills but also help build confidence, networks, and perspective.

Most importantly, I would remind them there is no “right” path in law. Every experience contributes to career development, and they should stay open-minded and flexible.