My Goal to Study Privacy Law at Harvard Law School

I am writing to submit my law school application for admission to Harvard Law School, as it has always been my dream to pursue a legal education at an institution renowned for its academic excellence, vibrant community, and commitment to shaping future leaders in the field of law. With utmost enthusiasm and a deep passion for justice, I believe that Harvard Law School is the ideal environment for me to cultivate my intellectual curiosity, refine my legal skills, and make a meaningful impact in the legal profession.

According to Professor and Philosopher, Duncan Kennedy, the law is ‘an endless patchwork of incoherent materials, full of conflicts and internal contradictions that no coherence can hide or overcome’. I distinctly recall these words whilst eagerly awaiting the Court of Appeal decision in ABC & Others v Telegraph Media Group Limited. The case was considered a landmark case in upholding the value of balancing freedom of expression with confidentiality. In the first instance, the court failed to consider the importance of non-disclosure agreements. Lord Justice Henderson, whom I often agree with, delivered the opinion, ruling that publication of such information can have adverse consequences. It was clear that the law had made its position evident in safeguarding the privacy rights of individuals.

Following the ABC decision, I began to engage in research on a deeper level. Instead of reading about privacy cases, I decided to look at their broader implications in practice. I considered whether there can be a balance between freedom of expression and confidentiality? How do the courts protect vulnerable victims? What was the privacy law’s position in other jurisdictions? I had time to consider these questions throughout my study. I spent my time reading and visiting court hearing dealing with privacy claims. I also began writing. I found it important to advocate the growing concerns of people as to their right to privacy. It was interesting to contrast during my writing between the UK and US data privacy laws and the extent of protection they offer to their consumers.

With America being home to the largest technology data in the world, it is interesting to consider the possible solutions to the current data privacy law. The issue was where data privacy laws are enacted in different US states. Every state has a different approach hence why there is a division on how effective each state exercises its role in protecting individual privacy. My study will provide insight into the need for a baseline privacy framework to outline the obligations of data confidants and their responsibility to their consumers.

I wanted to begin studying law to consider its importance and evolvement over time. Fortunately, I found a mentor willing to indulge my curiosity at the City Law School and who supported me through assisting with my interest and research. In my first year, I began by writing legal content for a blog. I read through various academic pieces on the matter, trying to find what substantial research had been done on the implication of privacy law in the modern age. Yet, I have discovered that despite the researched proposals, the evident solution was being neglected due to concerns of resources to its implementation and enforcement. I felt it necessary to contribute to this field of study, through the Masters Program with the primary aim of exploring and examining the ineffectiveness of the current privacy laws in the US.

In my undergraduate years, I received the opportunity to write legal content for a Lawyer, on the policymaker's stance towards improving privacy law. It was a question I found particularly interesting, given the fact that the industry is considering the adoption of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Unlike, guns and wrongful convictions, this concern did not appear to be a priority. After, a year of attending talks on the matter and researching through communication with experts in the field, I found a significant difference between the proposals offered in changing the laws in this area. Eventually, I presented this research to the lawyer and team of experts at the law firm. I also found that the opinions varied depended on the costs of implementing GDPR in patchwork through federal and state laws. Policymakers frequently blamed costs for all sorts of societal problems and suggested that the current status of protection is enough for consumers.

From my experience, the Privacy Act of 1974 in the US like, the Data Protection Act 2018 in the UK, are non-negotiable. My parents taught me from a young age the indispensable values of voluntary consent and respect for privacy. I saw the danger at home when watching the news on large technology firms being found liable for breach of confidentiality. It was clear that even where rights of privacy arise, there is a concern about their enforcement and protection. There was no clearer example of the dangers of the involuntary surrender of privacy rights than the rise of data breaches arising from non-compliance of regulation.

As a private lawyer, I intend to act as a defender for the preservation of privacy rights. Now, more than ever, consumers, need legal protection from the government officials claiming that the involuntary surrender of privacy rights is the answer to the problem. Meanwhile, individuals are in a battle for a more inclusive privacy system and need lawyers that understand the new changing technological advancements. I also hope to act as a resource for large data confidants who are struggling with their obligations and online policies. Many, consumers have entrusted their personal data with data holders with the intention of it remaining confidential, while still excising their right to enjoyment to privacy. My law school education will uniquely prepare me to face approaching questions as to a stricter Privacy Act, and there is no better place to acquire these skills than Harvard Law School.