Congratulations to Yasmin Olsen on receiving a grant from the Yvonne A M Smith Charitable Trust 2023.  Her impressive educational background and practical experience in the field of law have laid a strong foundation for her future endeavours.

Yasmin’s decision to pursue an LL.M. degree program at Yale Law School, with a focus on criminal law, criminal justice, feminist legal studies, and indigenous systems of justice, demonstrates a clear commitment to deepening her understanding of these crucial areas. Yale Law School is renowned for its academic excellence and commitment to social justice, making it an ideal institution to further her studies.

Yasmin’s seven years of practical experience, including five years as a Crown Prosecutor in South Auckland and two years as a judge’s clerk at the Auckland High Court, have undoubtedly provided her with invaluable insights into the criminal justice system. This combination of academic and practical expertise will greatly contribute to her future work in the field.

Yasmin plans to return to New Zealand and work as a criminal lawyer engaged in academia, teaching, and writing.  By focusing on the protection of women and children and addressing the underlying causes of offending, she aims to bring about meaningful reform in the legal system.

With Yasmin’s impressive background and the knowledge and skills she will gain from her LL.M. program, she will be well-positioned to make a significant impact in the field of criminal law and justice. Her expertise, combined with her passion for advocacy and reform, will undoubtedly contribute to building a more inclusive and protective system.

We wish Yasmin every success in her studies at Yale Law School and in her future endeavours as a criminal lawyer, academic, and advocate for change.