Moustafa Kamal: UEA graduate and Egyptian Judge
By: Alumni Team
Moustafa Kamal came to UEA from Egypt as a Chevening Scholar in 2015 to study for a Master of Laws in International Commercial and Business Law. Before this, Moustafa had already established himself as a judge in Egypt. He has gone on to lead important law and judiciary projects for the National Institute of Governance and Sustainable Development (NIGSD) and continues to act as a judge.
Moustafa tells us more about why he came to UEA and his career.
How did you discover UEA?
I had decided to apply for a Chevening scholarship to study in the UK. I wanted to develop my learning and live abroad. Most of my Chevening contemporaries were applying to universities in London, but I actually wanted to avoid it! I wanted to live somewhere I could enjoy a green campus space and discover a broader sense of the English life.
My research told me that not only did UEA have a top-rated law school, but its campus was beautiful. So, I decided to come to UEA.
And how did you get to the point of studying at UEA?
I first graduated from the School of Law (English Department) in Alexandria University, studying English and American legal systems.
Once I graduated, I was recruited as a teaching assistant. Then I managed to go through the national competition for appointing public prosecutors, and I was focussed on building my career. Later on, I was appointed a judge and was involved with building training schemes for other judges, and we had decided that it would be a good idea to have judges with more knowledge of foreign law operations.
I also wanted to spend some time abroad and experience other ways of living. I looked to study at an English-speaking university and came across UEA. I was very proud to be accepted into the Chevening scheme at first attempt!
Moustafa outside UEA Accommodation block
Did Norwich and UEA meet your expectations?
It exceeded them! I learned so many things in addition to studying and there were so many opportunities sent to students via e-mail, and I was able to take part in several internships, fellowships, summer schools and other programmes. These experiences were very helpful for me.
And so what happened after your degree at UEA?
Many of my colleagues on Chevening scholarships decided to go into the private sector. However, I felt that my government had supported my travels and wanted to stay in the public sector. I aimed to help my fellow legal professionals with the knowledge I had learned at UEA.
I transferred to the investment circuit working with other judges on investment and commercial law disputes, particularly in matters to do with foreign investment. I knew I was coming back to do this and I picked modules that would help me in my job.
Moustafa as Chevening Scholar
And how did you find the degree helping your career?
I loved those courses on oil and gas law, litigation, investment arbitration, and commercial arbitration were all taught by professionals in their fields. I’m also a practicing professional and I learned very practical insights. In fact, my professors would sometimes even use Egyptian law as case studies!
My tutors were also very receptive to personal approaches, and they gave me lots of advice and support.
How has your career developed further after UEA?
I appreciate continuous learning, so I need to keep engaged in academic research and professional learning all the time. So, after UEA, I joined the American University in Cairo to study an LL.M. in international and comparative law. I then joined ESLSCA (Ecole Supérieure Libre des Sciences Commerciales Appliquées) campus in Egypt to study an MBA (Government and Public Sector Specialization). Currently I am doing my PhD in governance and anti-corruption, focusing on business and human rights issues. I do believe that I'm trying to work for the greater good and that's not easy. People are divided and want to hear different things.
I am currently leading a project on reforming the judiciary and its efficiency. We want to be able to deliver prompt and effective justice and increase access. It is very difficult but a very important project.
Moustafa Kamal studied a Master of Laws in International Commercial and Business Law at UEA.