Basher Hassan (J.D. ’21) knew early on he wanted to pursue a career in law. Knowing his goal in life is to help the most people in as many ways as he can, Hassan believes law is the best way to make that happen. Whether its policy making or private practice, “law is everywhere,” Hassan said.
After graduating with a degree in psychology from the University of Georgia, Hassan began managing a doctor’s office in Alpharetta, where his interest in health law was affirmed. He’s now one semester away from graduating from Georgia State Law, where he has found an interest for personal injury law and would love one day to sit on the executive board of a hospital or own his own firm. Here, he reflects how his experiences at Georgia State Law have helped shape him as he prepares for practice.
What made you want to attend GSU Law?
I knew I wanted to stay in Georgia, and I wanted to get a more diverse experience, so that was part of the appeal for attending Georgia State. Also, the health law program being number two in the country was a big push for me as well, because if I want to do something, I want to be at the place that does it best. Along with that, being in downtown Atlanta in such an amazing building just made it the perfect spot for me.
What are some of the ways you’ve gotten involved?
I am currently the vice president of the College of Law’s Muslim Law Student Association. Granted, we're very small in numbers but our goal is to create a supportive community and provide information out about how we fit in the legal world and how to navigate some of the challenges we face. We're trying to be as welcoming and inclusive as possible and educate our peers.
I also really enjoyed my semester working in the HeLP Clinic. That was an amazing experience getting to work alongside medical students and providers on real cases and interact with the clients. Working to help the clients secure SSI benefits may seem like a small thing, but for them, it's just about everything. You don't really get to see that until you get to sit down and talk with them for a little bit and that was really impactful.
Are you happy with your decision to attend GSU Law?
Absolutely because at Georgia State, you're encouraged to explore. For example, right now I'm in a hip hop and the law class. I was also able to take tax law, and that was something that I never thought I would actually enjoy, but really did. So, there's just so much variety in the courses and all the professors are so opening and welcome. They actually encourage you to step out of your comfort zone of what you thought you wanted to do and that creates this environment that allows you to test the waters of many different areas of law.
Interview by Mara Thompson