From a passion for social justice to shaping the next generation of legal minds, Sobia Razzaq, Senior Lecturer in Law in Westminster Business School and Co-Chair of the Women of Westminster network at the University of Westminster, brings lived experience, intersectional insight and a commitment to inclusion into every classroom she enters. Here Sobia reflects on what drew her to Law, the challenges and rewards of her career and why empowering underrepresented voices in legal education is more vital than ever.
Can you tell me about your career journey?
I have always been deeply drawn to issues of social justice. Studying Law felt like a natural path to better understand and engage with the systems that shape rights, equity and power. My journey into academia, however, was not something I had planned. After having my children, I found that practising Law, while fulfilling, was difficult to balance with the demands of family life. A former colleague suggested I explore teaching, and it turned out to be an ideal fit.
What attracted you to teach at the University of Westminster?
The diversity of Westminster’s student body was a major draw for me. As a woman from a minoritised background, I take representation seriously. Students deserve to see individuals who reflect their own identities in positions of influence and leadership. This is especially important in a discipline like Law, which has traditionally lacked inclusivity and diversity. Westminster’s strong commitment to widening participation, along with its central location, made it a place where I felt I could not only belong but also contribute meaningfully to creating a more inclusive and empowering academic environment.
What areas of Law do you specialise in, and why are they important to you?
I teach Law to Business students at the University and the areas I’m particularly passionate about are Employment Law and International Business Law. Employment Law is especially relatable, as it impacts everyone at some stage in their working life. I teach it at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and I see first-hand how empowering it is for students to understand their rights. While the Equality Act 2010 remains a crucial piece of legislation in protecting individuals from workplace discrimination, it is in urgent need of updating to reflect the complexities of today’s labour market, including the rise of gig work, remote employment and other forms of discrimination that were not included when the Act was introduced.
Equally, International Business Law has become increasingly poignant given the current geopolitical climate. Teaching this subject allows students to critically engage with the legal implications of global power structures and the real-world challenges of enforcement and accountability.
What has been one of your rewarding moments?
There have been many, but I am always especially moved when students tell me they initially thought Law was dry or irrelevant and then finished a module with a new appreciation for how impactful and applicable it is to everyday life. I always say that everyone should have at least a basic understanding of contract Law, after all, we enter into contracts regularly, often without realising it.
One of the most meaningful projects I have had the privilege to lead was the Elevating Futures pilot, an empowerment programme designed to support final-year South Asian female students from underrepresented backgrounds in progressing into high-skilled roles after graduation. It was a cross-university initiative that brought together skills development, mentoring and professional networking. Seeing the growth in confidence, ambition and career readiness among the participants was incredibly rewarding, and it remains one of the highlights of this year.
Have there been any challenges in your journey that have shaped who you are today?
Absolutely, balancing motherhood, activism (I am an area convenor for Herts Welcomes Refugees), a social life and professional aspirations has profoundly shaped my career journey. Like many working women, especially in academia, the challenge has always been finding equilibrium across these and other roles. The past few years have been particularly full, with responsibilities ranging from co-chairing the Women of Westminster network to leading a two-year Knowledge Exchange and widening participation projects.
What does representation and inclusivity mean to you, and how do you bring them into your teaching?
Representation and inclusivity are not just aspirational values, they are critical to creating an educational environment where all students can thrive, and where colleagues can bring their whole selves to work. In my teaching, I centre lived experiences and incorporate diverse case studies that reflect the rich variety of backgrounds our students come from.
While I recognise that my presence as a visibly Muslim, South Asian woman in academia can offer visibility and encouragement to some students, I always emphasise that how someone looks or presents themselves should never define their value. What matters is the depth of knowledge, the quality of teaching and a genuine commitment to student development that is inclusive of and responsive to the diverse backgrounds and experiences students bring with them.
That is exactly why representation matters, not because it should determine our value, but because it helps challenge narrow ideas of who belongs in academic and professional spaces.
What sets Westminster apart for students thinking of studying Law?
Westminster offers more than just access; it offers meaningful opportunity. For students who are first-generation university attendees or come from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds, the University provides various types of dedicated support and more recently programmes like Elevating Futures, which are specifically designed to help level the playing field. What also sets Westminster apart is the sense of community. Being surrounded by peers who share or understand your experiences can be very empowering. Confidence grows when you're not the “only one,” but ultimately, students have to take that first step, put themselves forward, engage and make the most of what’s available. The opportunities are here, but it’s through participation that true transformation happens.
What advice would you offer those wanting to study Law or pursue leadership roles in the legal field?
Go for it and do so unapologetically. Set your goals with intention and conviction. Your voice matters, not in spite of your background, but because of it. Your lived experiences bring essential insight, depth and perspective to the legal profession, qualities that are often missing but urgently needed.
Do not wait to be invited into spaces; walk in knowing you belong there. Build community, seek out mentorship and uplift others as you rise. In a time where the legal and political landscape can feel increasingly dystopian, your presence, your perspective and your leadership are more necessary than ever. The profession will only truly serve society when it reflects the full breadth of those within it, and that includes you.
Find out more about Law courses available through Clearing at the University of Westminster.
Learn more about the Westminster Business School.
