Embracing change- From Geraldine to London
Alumna Susannah Harper has travelled far since those early childhood days on the family farm near the South Island town of Geraldine. She is now working in London as a paralegal for Imran Khan & Partners.
Her first venture into the unknown was at the age of ten, when she was put on a plane to visit her aunt in Wellington. A tour around the city and Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington left a lasting impression.
“I remember going into the Old Government Buildings and deciding right then that I was going to study there one day,” she says.
Susannah’s academic journey at Victoria University was both rigorous and rewarding. She studied an LLB, focusing on public and international law, and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in political science. Susannah worked part-time to fund her education, including at Parliamentary Services, for an MP, and as an intern for a respected barrister she met at the Old Bailey pub with her friends after a public Law exam.
“Only in Wellington can you get offered a job after meeting someone at the pub and end up working on compelling civic rights cases in the Supreme Court.”
During this time, she also immersed herself in her studies, in student life, and in sharpening her advocacy skills through mooting which quickly became a passion.
One of Susannah’s fondest memories of her time at the Law School was working with Professor Alberto Costi, Dr. Marnie Lloydd, and two fellow students, to prepare for an International Humanitarian Law mooting competition. “I remember spending a few all-nighters at the law school just preparing written submissions before the deadlines.”
Their dedication paid off and the team represented Victoria University in both national and international mooting competitions.
When an opportunity to study abroad presented itself, Susannah took a big leap outside her comfort zone and chose to finish her degrees at the prestigious Sciences Po in Paris. There, she studied comparative constitutional law, alternative dispute resolution, and international arbitration alongside other international students. “Although I was the only New Zealander in my classes, I was thrilled when I realised how well-prepared I was by my education and how solid a law degree from Victoria was.”
Immersing herself in a new culture and language was too good an opportunity to miss. “Paris is one of those places on most people’s bucket list, so getting to live there and truly experience what it has to offer was incredible.”
Susannah, who has played piano, guitar, and sung classical music since childhood, found Paris the perfect place to reignite her artistic side—she met talented musicians, performed in jazz clubs, and even busked on the streets when funds were low.
After her exchange, Susannah was not yet ready to return home, so she took her guitar and her suitcase to London. She struggled initially to find work, but it was once again through music that she made connections and eventually secured a position in legal aid criminal defense at a small firm in Brixton. This frontline work exposed her to the challenges within the United Kingdom’s criminal justice system.
Susannah now works for Imran Khan & Partners, in the civil human rights and actions against the police department. The firm, known for handling significant public inquiries and high-profile cases such as the 2012 Stephen Lawrence case, deals with injustices and tort claims.
Susannah primarily works on cases involving individuals abused in the care system and believes that although there are significant merits to the New Zealand ACC Scheme, the ‘no fault’ baseline makes it difficult for people in situations of abuse to get the redress they are seeking—the ability for the law to recognise they were wronged by people responsible for their protection.
“English law has left some scope to enable claims to be brought against public authorities who were negligent in placing children in care homes where there was knowledge of abuse.”
For Susannah, living in London has its challenges—it's expensive, fast-paced, and often isolating. However, the city's dynamic environment suits her restless nature. Despite the difficulties, the opportunity to play music and grow professionally makes it worthwhile.
She remains connected to her roots, keeping in touch with professors and friends from Victoria University. Her journey from family farm to the legal forums of Wellington, Paris, and London is a testament to Susannah’s determination, sense of adventure, education, and ability to embrace opportunities outside of her comfort zone.
Susannah’s advice to law students and graduates is simple: "Good grades are good, but meaningful experiences are better. While the law can be learned, developing good judgment and situational awareness is more challenging. It’s important to keep pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone."
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