Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities and Social Sciences
Netherlands
fellow
Nina Holvast
2026-2027
Home institution
Erasmus University
Country of origin (home institution)
Netherlands
Discipline(s)
Law; Sociology
Theme(s)
Education & Science
Fellowship dates
›
Biography
Associate Professor at the Erasmus School of Law
Research Project
Transformation into a lawyer: the legal profession’s influence in law school socialisation
Lawyers occupy prominent positions in society, and legal education plays a crucial role in preparing students for their future professional roles. Traditionally, the legal profession – lawyers and their institutions – has been heavily involved in shaping that preparation. But this involvement has changed significantly over time and is increasingly being called into question.
Drawing on empirical data from a longitudinal study, Nina Holvast examines the contemporary role of the legal profession in the socialisation of students in (Dutch) legal education. She further explores how this evolving relationship shapes students’ sense of professional identity – and their understanding of what it means to become a lawyer.
Research Interests:
legal education; legal profession; lawyers; socialisaton of Students; professional identity