Student of the Week // Thomas RIGAL
Thomas RIGAL
Age: 24
Hometown: Béziers
Resident of Montpellier for 7 years
Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Business Law and Taxation – DJCE
Hobbies? Interests?
I’ve always been a sports fan—especially rugby—and I juggle my studies with this passion. While I also enjoy traveling abroad, I have to admit that letting off some steam every now and then on the field or elsewhere is essential to my well-being.
What's your project?
I am currently pursuing a Master 2 in Business Law and Taxation – DJCE at the Montpellier School of Law. Prior to this, I completed a Master 2 in Notarial Law during the 2015–2016 academic year. At the end of this year, I will begin my two-year internship at a notary’s office specializing in business law in order to earn the Higher Diploma in Notarial Studies (DSN).
My goal is to combine the areas of business law that I am passionate about—particularly tax and corporate law—with notarial law. Originally, the notary was society’s true scribe. Gradually, lawyers came to dominate the field of business law. My goal, of course, is to advance and contribute to this aspect of notarial law—business law—in order to best represent the diversity of expertise within this profession.
You held a High-Level Athlete Agreement from 2010 to 2013. Can you tell us which sport it was for?
Actually, I was a high-level rugby player for most of my college years. I played for the Béziers club (ASBH) from 2005 to 2010 and then for the Montpellier club (MHRC) from 2011 to 2013.
How did you manage to balance your studies and your life as an athlete?
Balancing an academic and athletic career is no easy task. Competing at a high level in sports requires a personal commitment that often conflicts with academic pursuits. It’s important to set a schedule that best balances both activities. Although there is a national agreement for high-level athletes, I must admit that not all universities are equipped to accommodate these athletes. We’re a long way from an American-style system! We’re often on our own, and the question of “choosing” between an academic path OR a sports career is a constant one. The high-level athlete agreement at the Montpellier Law School is purely formal. My status as an athlete caused me some difficulties during my bachelor’s degree. Fortunately, the Montpellier Law School has certain professors—whom I thank today—who supported me immensely, which allowed me to continue making progress.
Did you give up your athletic career for law?
While balancing “sports and academics” is possible, it becomes more difficult when aiming for master’s programs that admit students solely based on their application and through a national selection process. I couldn’t have competed with students who were 100% committed to earning the master’s degree of their choice, nor against a young elite athlete who had been 300% dedicated for years to becoming a professional. So I chose to pursue an exclusively academic path for my first year of the Master’s program, and it paid off. Although I felt a bit restless sitting in lecture halls for a year, I don’t regret my choice today.
What's a typical day like for you?
Time for class! And then Philipides or the gym after class, before meeting up with some friends for a drink.
What's your favorite place on campus?
I’m torn between the Richter University Library, where I spent a great deal of time, and my Master’s 2 classroom at the law school, where I’ve spent—and continue to spend—unforgettable moments on a personal level.
What's your favorite place in Montpellier?
Without a doubt, the city center is incredibly lively. Whether it’s Monday or Sunday, noon or midnight, there are always people out on the streets, and it’s nice to see that Montpellier is a city that belongs to its young people.
Thank you so much, Thomas, for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish you every success this year—it’s shaping up to be a challenging one!
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