Shahrzad Atai

Career success

Shahrzad Atai is internationally recognised for her talent and expertise in cross-border law and international finance. She has won various international awards, has lived and worked in many different cities, and speaks multiple languages.

Shahrzad is a qualified solicitor and in addition to her LLB from Herts, she holds a Masters of Law (LLM) from the College of Law London, and Applied Maths at Azad University of Tehran.

Shahrzad’s varied career has taken her from acting as an external advisor to the UK Government, to lecturing at the University of Orleans and the University of Tours (France). She used to be a young ambassador for Womankind Worldwide, a global organisation that supports women's rights. In her legal practice, she is now a member of the development board for Magic Breakfast (this charity provides breakfast to children in schools in poor areas). Shahrzad's work has focused on financial sanctions, banking finance, cross-border transactions, commercial, and business law.

Advice for students

Shahrzad is a committed alumni ambassador and regularly supports Herts students and graduates by creating videos, giving career talks, and providing work experience opportunities.

As a Herts graduate, Shahrzad is an excellent example of what you can achieve in your career after completing your studies. She offers great advice to anyone looking to get into the legal field and says, ‘If you are looking for a 9am to 5pm job, then you are looking at the wrong industry. If you want to succeed you must work very hard until you achieve all your goals. You can rest when you retire! My advice would be to learn another language while you have time. It will make your profile different to other applicants, no matter which job you apply for, and get as much work experience as you can!'