The Journey of Rebeca: From Tallinn University to the Heart of European Justice
Many of us harbor ambitious dreams but turning those aspirations into a global reality requires both courage and a solid educational foundation.
Our law alumna Rebeca Vahedi recently shared her journey from being a sharp witted student in Tallinn to her current role at the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg. Her story is a powerful reminder that with persistence and a clear sense of purpose no goal is truly out of reach.
A Childhood Ambition Rooted in Purpose
For Rebeca the legal profession was never just a random career choice but rather a calling that manifested early in life. Encouraged by parents who believed that no objective was too high she was drawn to the idea of offering guidance and solutions to people during their most difficult moments.
"I was quite an opinionated child who enjoyed debate and the legal profession seemed like a natural space to channel those traits," she recalls.
Although she was not always considered a top performing student in high school and some viewed her ambitions as unrealistic the consistent support from her family gave her the confidence to push past the skeptics. She recalls that her decision to pursue law became concrete when she developed a deep interest in societal issues such as human rights and women's rights. This inner drive led her to Tallinn University where academic freedom allowed her to discover a true passion for international criminal law.
Finding a Global Launchpad at Tallinn University
Tallinn University provided Rebeca with the necessary flexibility to explore her interests from an early stage. She emphasizes that the supportive teaching environment and the wide range of opportunities including studying abroad and participating in international projects gave her a significant head start.
"Tallinn University provided me with a strong and broad foundation in law while allowing flexibility to explore areas of personal interest. This academic freedom was the core in helping me discover my passion for international criminal law," she explains.
By her second year of studies she had already set a firm goal to pursue a master’s degree in international criminal law and she never wavered from that path. After completing her graduate studies and gaining experience in a private firm she set her sights on the Court of Justice of the European Union. The recruitment process for the chambers of Judge Ms Jürimäe was thorough and competitive but Rebecas desire to gain practical insight into European law helped her successfully navigate the application and interview stages.
Life in Luxembourg and Breaking the Cycle
Daily life at the Court is both demanding and structured with workdays typically ending around six in the evening. Rebecas responsibilities include supporting the judges work through research and drafting preparatory documents as well as attending weekly hearings.
When discussing the pressures often associated with the legal profession Rebeca is refreshingly honest. She acknowledges the common perception of lawyers being trapped in a never ending cycle of work.
"I fully agree with this perception and it is evident at the CJEU as well. But I believe that maintaining balance is essential particularly in the early stages of a legal career where there is often pressure to accept every task and consistently exceed expectations," she remarks while highlighting the importance of setting boundaries.
Words of Wisdom for Future Jurists
The journey of Rebeca demonstrates that the global legal arena is open to those who are willing to try. She believes that students do not need to have everything figured out immediately after graduation and that it is perfectly acceptable to take time to explore different paths. For current students at Tallinn University who dream of an international career she offers a simple piece of advice:
"The beauty of an international legal career is that it is not limited. I believe that it is important to explore opportunities build networks and remain open to new experiences by stepping outside your comfort zone even if it feels challenging."
She credits her time at the university for building the skills and confidence necessary to reach the highest court in Europe. Rebeca recommends Tallinn University as an excellent starting point for any aspiring legal professional precisely because it creates a setting for both academic and personal development.