The magazine of Nottingham Law School Winter 2013-2014
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This leaflet can be made available in alternative formats. Please note that whilst the University has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the content within this leaflet at the time of IN THIS ISSUE printing, the University reserves the right to remove, vary or amend the content of the leaflet at any time. For avoidance of doubt, the information provided within the content of this leaflet is for Advice for the conscientious law student San Diego internship Student Conference guidance purposes. © Nottingham Trent University and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the prior written consent of Nottingham Trent University. | | 3086/02/14 ALL THINGS LAW WELCOME THE LATEST IN LAW ALL THINGS LAW Welcome The latest in law
LLM Legal Practice Celebrating 50 years The magazine of Nottingham Law School Summer 2013 The magazine of Nottingham Law School Winter 2013 Contents Expert opinions Nottingham Law School’s new LLM Legal Practice started in January. This new Master’s in Law award is of excellence in legal Welcome 2 for those with professional legal qualifications such as The latest in law 3 the BPTC or LPC. Credit points are awarded for study education on these professional qualifications and students can Clare’s Law, victims’ then top up the points with a dissertation or publishable Feature article 6 This year Nottingham Law School is celebrating an article to gain the LLM. The course is studied entirely by impressive 50 years of excellence in legal education. names and the police Pro bono 8 distance learning. Start dates are throughout the year in To mark the occasion we will be gathering stories and While Clare’s Law is a welcome addition in the fight January, April and September. Student conference 9 photos from our staff, students and alumni to produce to pre-empt domestic violence, Nottingham Law a special commemorative edition of this magazine, School’s Dr Samantha Pegg argues that it should International 10 Further information on the course can be found on our so email [email protected] if you would like to not be used to shift the focus away from how police In thIs Issue IN THIS ISSUE What law firms are looking for | Mooting news | Careers | Competition news | and much much more Advice for the conscientious law student | San Diego Internship | Student Conference website at www.ntu.ac.uk/llmlpdl or you can pick up a be involved. react when cases do arise. www.ntu.ac.uk/clareslaw Our staff and students 12 brochure from the Student Enquiry Point on the 4th floor in Chaucer building. Also keep your eyes peeled for further details of the Following the success of the National Student Survey 13 celebrations throughout the year. Why creating new Lex Law Society 14 criminal offences will first issue, I am delighted to ...and finally 15 not help NHS patients John Tingle, Reader in Health Law, welcomes much of Professor Don Berwick’s review in the welcome you to this next edition aftermath of the Mid Staffordshire Hospital scandal 5 minutes with... as thoughtful and reflective but says one key recommendation – to create criminal sanctions of All Things Law, the magazine THINGS I WISH against health staff – will not make the NHS safer Sophie Strecker for patients. www.ntu.ac.uk/berwick I HAD KN OWN LLM International Trade and Senior Lecturer in Law Can you put into perspective how hard you for Nottingham Law School. had to work to obtain a Distinction for your
Why did you choose to pursue a career in law? Master’s Degree? I have known from a very young age that I wanted This is the first issue of the 2013/14 academic year and It was a matter of consistency. I made sure that I to be a lawyer, or study law. From around the age of attended absolutely everything and that I completed I hope that all of our students have enjoyed a successful four or five, I was nicknamed ‘our little lawyer’ so the first term. It certainly seems that many of you have been the prep for every session, which requires quite a bit of interest has always been there, but I can’t really put effort all year round. I consider it a full-time job, and I busy and I’m really pleased to read about a wide range of my finger on why. activities including Lex Law Society events, Katie Percival’s treated it as such. If you do all the work it means you involvement in Pro Ius, the student-run legal advice clinic What are the best aspects of teaching? certainly have an understanding of what you’re doing, but I found that to get a Distinction a lot of additional in Netherfield, and Harshita Bishnoi’s internship at the One of the best aspects is that I love the fact that I research was required. You have to take initiative and Casa Cornelia Law Center in San Diego. There are also can contribute to people’s learning. I view myself as go beyond what is required. It’s also important at any some wise words of advice for fellow Law students from someone who facilitates learning and I love to get Press freedom and level of study to have a critical mind. Don’t just believe Suneet Sharma and Andre Maingot. people excited about law. That’s the best thing. everything you read or hear – question it, analyse it and responsibility – This year we celebrate 50 years of excellence in legal Why did you choose to pursue a Master’s Degree evaluate it! education and as well as looking back at our inspiring in International Trade? Want to feature So the key is hard work? regulation and the past, it is a time to look to the future. These pages I did my first Master’s Degree in Belgium, in General Hard work on a consistent basis! highlight only a selection of our many achievements and Law, but I wanted to specialise in one area of the law Royal Charter I am proud to see Nottingham Law School continue to in this section? that I had a specific interest in which also ultimately What’s the greatest advice anyone’s ever go from strength to strength, be it through the creation In a new book about the press and its coverage of fed into my PhD. given you? of new courses and research centres, staff research and crime, Nottingham Law School’s Dr Samantha Pegg, expert opinion quoted in the media or employability Be a contributor I’m a strong believer in life-long learning, which is My mother told me that it doesn’t matter what you along with fellow academics Dr Judith Rowbotham initiatives such as the recent student conference, designed another reason why I chose academia. Not only do in life, you make your choice and you do it to the and Professor Kim Stevenson, argues that existing If you are a current Nottingham Law School student or to ensure our students are fully prepared for their future. does it allow for research, but we also learn a lot from very best of your ability. laws – rather than any new system of Parliament- member of staff and would like to feature in a future students. They can ask some challenging questions! inspired regulation – should be used to control Thank you to everybody who has contributed to the edition of All Things Law, contact the Editorial Board What’s your top tip for law students? newspapers that overstep the mark. development of such a lively Law School community. at [email protected] One thing that I’ve realised is that the more you study Your brain is like a muscle, train it! www.ntu.ac.uk/pressfreedom Enjoy reading. and the more you do research, the more you realise that you really don’t know anything. How does it feel to be a part of NLS? Professor Andrea Nollent I’m very happy because I was here as a student, So essentially you’re always learning? Dean of Nottingham Law School and it’s amazing to now be a part of the staff as this I love it! institution has given me a lot. By Amir Nikfekr
Professor Andrea Nollent, Dean of Nottingham Law School
02 03 ALL THINGS LAW THE LATEST IN LAW THE LATEST IN LAW ALL THINGS LAW The latest in law The latest in law
Professional Practice Team of experts to prepare report into NLS sets pupils on Lecture Series possible changes to Hong Kong’s legal So far this year’s Professional Practice Lecture Series Pathway to Law (for LPC, BPTC, GDL and LLB students) has seen three education system excellent and well-attended lectures presented by a Legal education experts including staff from Nottingham Law School are to investigate how solicitors qualify to practise in Nottingham Law School welcomed the first cohort number of key partners on a range of topics. The lectures Hong Kong. Professor Jane Ching of Nottingham Law School’s Centre for Legal Education and a team of legal education of students to the Pathways to Law programme in have enabled students to meet and speak with leading experts will be working with the Hong Kong Law Society to undertake consultation with the market and stakeholders. November 2013. practitioners, make new contacts and pursue work They will also advise on the possibility of a common entrance examination for prospective Hong Kong solicitors. experience opportunities, as well as providing invaluable The Pathways to Law programme is an initiative The Hong Kong Law Society wishes to explore the feasibility of adopting a common entrance examination, for which the commercial insight into the realities of practice. developed by The Sutton Trust and The Legal society would be responsible, as a uniform quality filter for entry to the solicitors’ profession. This year’s Professional Practice Lecture Series was Education Foundation (TLEF), with support launched with an excellent lecture on ‘How to Network from major law firms, to inspire and support The research project will explore whether this is appropriate or viable and consider all possible approaches and solutions. Effectively and Market Yourself’ from Lisa Cawdron, academically-able students in years 12 and 13 www.ntu.ac.uk/hkles Head of Business Development Strategy at from non-privileged backgrounds interested in Shakespeares Solicitors. a career in law. This was followed by a lecture from His Honour John Professor Nollent said: “We are delighted to be Samuels QC. A member of Lincoln’s Inn, His Honour John able to welcome our first cohort of young people Samuels QC was called to the Bar in 1964, appointed as a to Nottingham Law School as they begin their Deputy Judge of the High Court in 1981 and as a Circuit Pathways to Law programme. Judge in 1997. His lecture consisted of an advocacy “It is vital that we encourage and support social masterclass entitled ‘Pleasing the Judge’ and provided mobility within the legal profession and that we play invaluable advice designed to assist aspiring advocates. our part in improving the opportunities for young The third lecture in the series was presented by John people locally.” Lapraik who spent 30 years acting in commercial legal www.ntu.ac.uk/pathways_law disputes before joining an eDisclosure service provider. The lecture was entitled ‘The New Lawyer’s Essential Guide to Electronic Document Management’, and emphasised the implications of eDisclosure. Lisa Cawdron His Honour John Samuels QC NTU Master’s New advocacy research centre graduate presents Press coverage Nottingham Law School has launched a new Centre for Advocacy that will examine what makes for effective advocacy paper at Madrid John Tingle: discusses a report from the Future Nick Johnson: two cities fight over the final resting and how lawyers can be trained to ensure that they present their cases accurately, ethically and persuasively. Hospital Commission on improving care for acute place of Richard III at a judicial review hearing in medical patients in the British Journal of Nursing. London. Nottingham Law School’s Nick Johnson Led by Senior Lecturer and Barrister Jeremy Robson, the Centre for Advocacy will combine the development of advocacy law conference He has also recently discussed the Quality Watch explains the legal procedure on BBC Breakfast. courses with academic research into the practice and teaching of advocacy. www.ntu.ac.uk/newscfa Sophie Strecker from Antwerp, Belgium graduated 2013 assessment of government-funded health bit.ly/richardIII and social care services. bit.ly/fhcanalysis from Nottingham Law School in 2009 with an LLM in Simon Boyes: discusses a court case surrounding International Trade. Loretta Trickett: the BBC reports Dr Loretta the Bosman Ruling in world football. This year Sophie has continued to progress in the field Trickett’s research into the rise of male acid attack bit.ly/footballtransfer victims. bit.ly/acidattack of private international law, presenting a paper at the Pamela Henderson: led the review of continuing prestigious 5th Journal of Private International Law Jane Jarman: looks at the issue of evaluation professional development for the Solicitors Conference in Madrid. The 2013 conference attracted questionnaires in lawyer training in the Solicitors Regulation Authority, reported in the Law Gazette. participants from 40 different countries, emphasising Journal. bit.ly/nlsevaluation She concluded that the present system emphasises the international importance of the conference. compliance but does not necessarily deliver Launch of LLM Oil, Gas and Mining Law Jane Ching: examines the use of English language competence. bit.ly/reviewpd When we asked Sophie what she had gained from the by students and young lawyers as part of her conference her response was: “The conference was a inaugural lecture and reported in the New Law Nick Jarrett-Kerr: examines the issue of Nottingham Law School has launched a postgraduate Master’s Degree focusing on the international energy industry. unique opportunity to meet experienced academics in Journal. www.ntu.ac.uk/lawlanguage ‘entitlement culture’ in law firms in Managing It has been designed to equip students for future careers in the petrol and mining sectors and will be led by Professor David my research field from all over the world, who provided Partner magazine. He warns against the situation Jo Boylan-Kemp: discusses the legal issues Ong. Professor Ong has long-standing research and teaching interests in international and environmental law relating to me with valuable feedback which I am confident will help where personal entitlements would impede a firm’s surrounding dangerous dogs in one of a series the oil and gas sector, especially the offshore industry as well as developing and transitional economies. me with future publications.” development. bit.ly/ntuentitlement of articles for the Nottingham Post. John Tingle, Head of International Development at Nottingham Law School, said: “With extensive expertise in both Sophie has also recently joined the Law School as a full- bit.ly/doglaw time lecturer. She described NLS as “the ideal place for me international finance and investment law and with Professor’s Ong’s international environmental law experience, to develop my academic career, providing a stimulating we are in an excellent position to deliver this highly innovative course.” www.ntu.ac.uk/newsogm work environment inspired by goals I strongly believe in.”
04 05 ALL THINGS LAW THINGS I WISH I HAD KNOWN THINGS I WISH I HAD KNOWN ALL THINGS LAW
The Mechanism University can offer invaluable assistance Maximising your contact with the legal in this regard; Nottingham Law School is profession is without doubt a key aim for of Scholarship. exceptional in its provision of legal experience any aspiring solicitor or barrister. However, Glanville Williams, ‘Learning the Law’ for its students. Be creative and seize these networking is not limited to legal professionals opportunities. Consider involvement in the Lex but also extends to lecturers and fellow students. Be organised - manage your time efficiently Law Society, Legal Advice Clinic, Innocence Your lecturers are usually former solicitors or and know your commitments and deadlines Project, Bars in their Eyes, Mentoring Schemes barristers; not only will they be able to provide (both academic and career orientated). Many and the Free Representation Unit. You will be you with course advice but career advice. of you may think this a blindingly obvious expected to undertake such pro bono work Notably, to exceed academically your point; if you are pursuing a career involving as part of a firm or chambers and acting “for tutors are key, they will be forming and billing clients for every six minutes of your the public good” provides moral fulfilment marking assessments and can advise you time you will have to be used to recording it. alongside legal experience and a golden on further reading. However, would you be able to tell me exactly opportunity to work with your own clients. Personal tutors are a resource in this sense; ask how long that land law coursework or contract Being commercially-aware, currently a them if they would look at an application or law moot will take to prepare? Of course not. buzzword for aspiring solicitors, acknowledges THINGS I WISH In particular, moot preparation can expand a copy of your CV and most would be happy that law firms and prospective clients are beyond your allocated preparation time; the to oblige. If you are interested in a particular businesses. Consequently, the best legal firm or chambers why not research to see if a key here is to stick to your tutor’s guidance advice will always consider the commercial member of the academic staff used to work and your own judgment. I remember that context in which it is being given, which in there and could provide you with some insight? when I prepared for my first assessed moot I turn is dependent upon each individual client. examined every minute point of law that was Put simply, consider that if a client requires The importance of having good relationships even remotely relevant to the moot problem - pro bono services they are unlikely to have with your fellow students cannot be I HAD KNOWN be careful not to fall into a similar trap! the funds to mount their own legal battle underestimated. If you do not naturally treat Furthermore, by planning the time that your and tailor your advice accordingly. Employers all your peers as equals then at least be wary of the tendency to treat them as competition; Advice for the conscientious law student studies will demand from you, you are also are acutely aware that providing the best then in a better position to organise other legal advice requires far more than the best you will be studying alongside them for at activities. This available time and your use legal knowledge. Accordingly, you must least another three years. Be aware that of it are of paramount importance. demonstrate that you are not only your peers can provide valuable advice, social aware of this fact, but that you can evidence opportunities and moral support – I am always There’s going to be a lot such knowledge. grateful when a friend comes to find me in the library and drags me out for a coffee. to read and do if you are This, alongside other desired transferable skills, can be gained much more easily. Being a Reading law is by no means easy; being going to do well as a law member of a sports team evidences regular successful is harder still and becoming a legal student. So make the most commitment and team working skills. professional may sometimes seem impossible. I, for example, am currently on the Lex Law As long as you work hard, be realistic and of your time. Society committee which has developed my ensure your actions show your commitment to Nicholas J. McBride, communication and organisational skills as a legal career such a career is not unattainable, ‘Letters to a Law Student’ well as exposing me to legal professionals even in the current economic climate. of varying seniority. If you have had to Universities are far more than hubs of work alongside your studies, this shows If you truly wish for academic study. Firms and chambers are wider knowledge of work outside the critically aware of this fact and expect legal profession. a career in the legal applicants to have made use of the profession, be proactive opportunities available to them during their Extraneous experiences to law provide you studies on top of achieving a 2:1 degree with crucial time to relax and enjoy yourself rather than reactive and classification or higher. outside your studies. It is important to find a work towards making work/life balance that suits you; many of my I would like to highlight that there is no such thing peers advocate treating your studies as a nine- your own luck; network to as an ‘irrelevant’ experience; it is only the degree to-five job in preparation for the workplace. engineer the opportunities of relevancy that changes with the experience. The only exception is evidencing commitment The marketplace is you need. to the legal profession which clearly can only Suneet Sharma be shown through experience relating to the incredibly competitive LLB LAW (FT), 3rd year legal sector. Applying for such experience can and effective networking Third year LLB student Suneet Sharma shares the benefit be time-consuming and if you do not have any informal contacts with the profession it can be is essential to a successful of his and his peers’ experience in this article for everyone disheartening. I know from my own personal outcome. experience however, with perseverance, that first Charlotte Harrison, piece of crucial work experience can be easier to ‘From Student to Solicitor’ studying law and preparing for vocational practice. find than you initially thought!
06 07 ALL THINGS LAW PRO BONO STUDENT CONFERENCE ALL THINGS LAW Pro bono Student conference
“But alternative business structures, which opened up “Law schools have a duty to make sure their students Student-run legal advice clinic lends a helping hand Conference helps the prospect of outside investment and newcomers into have a realistic view of the workplace they are heading the legal market such as the AA, the Co-op and Eddie for and that they are equipped to take advantage of Stobart, mean qualified lawyers will continue to be in new opportunities.” Katie Percival writes about Pro Ius, a free legal Our project offers a free drop-in advice centre for the advice can be crucial to some people’s situations. students prepare demand.” advice clinic launched and run by NLS students local community. We are based in Netherfield and Getting advice and becoming aware of the rights you Dean of Nottingham Law School, Professor Andrea that is helping the local community in Netherfield. aim to provide free and practical legal advice. We have is so important and not only does our project As well as students from Nottingham Law School and Nollent explained how the LETR and other changes will interview clients to take details of their issues and get offer this, it is also a fantastic opportunity to get legal for changing legal The University of Nottingham, the conference attracted provide new prospects for Law graduates. When people find themselves in a legal dilemma, the information we need. Advice is usually given via experience with real clients. a number of careers advisers from other universities. they may often feel lost. Many people are not aware telephone and we aim to provide advice within three “The profession is undergoing revolutionary changes of the rights they have or what they might be able to This is a huge benefit to us students worrying about days. After researching the issues at hand and going landscape Pauline Tait, careers and employability advisor at the and those studying law now may not end up working as do about certain legal situations they find themselves in. careers after university. Not only do we get legal through the different options with our solicitor, we give There are so many changes hitting the legal profession University of Lincoln, described the conference as barristers or solicitors, but there are opportunities and, They may think to go to a solicitor but that starts to incur experience but we are developing so many transferable the advice. If any documents need to be sent to the that it can be hard for students to keep up to date. “an excellent forum for students, legal professionals, whatever shape the landscape takes, legal advice will costs which for many people may not be an option. So it skills that could help us in any career. client, or any follow up research needs to be given, we will With this in mind Nottingham Law School organised legal educators and careers advisers.” always be needed.” seems many people are left in the dark. However, at Pro do this over the weekend and send them to our client. As the clinic becomes more and more popular it gets and hosted the “Your Future, Your Legal Career” student Ius (the free legal advice project) we aim to shed some She went on to say that “This timely event stimulated We always work in two teams made up of five students slightly more stressful, but this ultimately leads to a more conference in collaboration with The University of light on this matter. much debate and food for thought about how to prepare from Nottingham Trent University so there are plenty of rewarding experience. Knowing we have helped someone Nottingham, to highlight the employment opportunities individuals for the realities of a career in the new Cuts in legal aid have had a heavy impact on people as legal brains on the case. in what can be a difficult time is very gratifying. available to future Law graduates. legal landscape.” they cannot afford to bring their claims to court. Money The project was set up last year by one of our students The benefits of this project appear endless and I am very The conference comprised of talks from legal experts and spent on solicitors and advice may therefore put strain Conference organiser Paula Moffatt highlighted the through Enactus, which aims to create businesses that lucky and proud to be part of something as rewarding as ended with a round table discussion on the implications on their journey to justice and in some cases not even obligation Law Schools have to inform their students help others. The process of getting involved in the this. In a world where seemingly everything costs money, of the Legal Education and Training Review (LETR) and allow justice to be sought. The changes in legal aid mean of changes to the legal market. project was fairly easy. Personally, I first heard about it is refreshing how such an important service is provided other changes to the profession. some types of case are no longer eligible for public funds. the opportunity to get involved through an email. to the community completely free of charge. “The legal world is changing and undergraduates will These include divorce, child contact, welfare benefits, One clear message from the day was that flexibility is key. I went along to the information evening and registered need to react to those changes. It is vital they keep employment, clinical negligence, and housing law (except Professor Jane Ching, of Nottingham Law School’s Centre my interest. By Katie Percival themselves up to date.” in very limited circumstances.) At Pro Ius we offer free for Legal Education and member of the research team for advice on almost all of these areas and discuss all the After an interview, I was offered the position of team Like us on Facebook – the LETR, said: “The nature of the legal professions and options someone has in relation to their issue. leader. I was really excited about this as I think free legal facebook.com/ProIus legal work is evolving”. DID YOU KNOW? “There will be new law jobs, not necessarily with existing Nottingham Law School’s Professor Jane law titles, and new roles for new kinds of lawyers.” Ching was one of the lead researchers Jane Ching Alan Sinnett, partner and regional head of Shakespeare’s The sessions stimulated much discussion and there were South West Midlands practice explained to the for the Legal Education and Training many thought-provoking tweets from students and conference how law firms are changing with a shift away The best way to get a bad Review, responsible for projecting future speakers throughout the day. Lex Law Society President from partnership-heavy practices. education and training needs. Read more Chloe Evans compiled some of them in her own Storify “A single partner and possibly two associate partners about the review at www.letr.org.uk post, which you can find along with a conference video, law repealed is to enforce would typically oversee up to 30 paralegals and other speaker profiles and presentations at: support staff,” he said. www.ntu.ac.uk/yfulc it strictly. Theodore Roosevelt
Interested in pro bono?
The Law School offers lots of opportunities for you to hone your practical legal skills and help the local community. See students talking about their involvement with our Legal Advice Clinic, Free Representation Unit, Innocence and India projects at: www.ntu.ac.uk/probono
08 09 ALL THINGS LAW INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL ALL THINGS LAW International International
both me and Emily. We found out we immigration trial at court. The client who came to the country on his own at San Diego were successful in mid-April and quickly was a Haitian national, pleading political the age of 13. booked flights and accommodation ready asylum in the US after fleeing Haiti “Aside from the Law Center there were Around the world to start the internship on the 17 June. in the middle of the night. His family countless other highlights from the trip. internship Luckily the NTU travel bursary covered the were political activists who were facing We went on day trips to Mexico by crossing cost of our flights, so we only had to pay persecution for their political associations At Nottingham Law School we have a diverse student community. Here we meet Spending some time abroad can be a the San Ysidro border on foot (the world’s for our hostel accommodation and other and rebelling against the government. fantastic experience. When Head of busiest human border crossing); drove living expenses. This was an extremely humbling and some of our students from around the world. Undergraduate Programmes Colleen around Los Angeles with no GPS and just rewarding experience. It was great to see Smith arranged two summer internships “Whilst in San Diego we were based in a map, learned to surf, visited the world the client getting the best representation in San Diego, LLB students Harshita the Casa Cornelia Law Center. We worked famous San Diego zoo, comic convention Marguerite Kenner Milovan Vesnic Mustakimur Rahman Marika Marisse Matusko even though he was unable to pay legal Bishnoi and Emily Bodden-Burton jumped Monday to Wednesday and so there was and gay pride festival and made hostel (United States) (Serbia) (Dhaka, Bangladesh) (Poland) fees and he was extremely grateful. at the chance. Here Harshita tells us plenty of time to explore everything friends that will last a lifetime. Graduate Diploma in Law Graduate Diploma in Law and LLM Law LLM Health Law about her time in the US. San Diego had to offer alongside our “During my time there, I also read “The experience was fantastic and has and Legal Practice Course Legal Practice Course work experience. countless factual declarations of “I was deleting emails from my inbox provided me with a major achievement immigrants from all over the globe and “Before studying at Nottingham “My background is a bit different “I am from Dhaka in Bangladesh. “I was encouraged to apply for an when I saw a message from Colleen with “During our time there we worked together to talk about in career interviews. no one story was the same. One of Law School, I was a patent litigation from the usual LPC student. I come I first heard about Nottingham LLM by one of the NTU Professors in the catchy subject line of ‘Interning in San in all three departments covering asylum, It’s increased my confidence and now our last tasks was filling out change of paralegal in the United States for from the Republic of Serbia, where I when my old school friend came to Law who I met on an International Diego.’ This caught my attention and I unaccompanied children and domestic I’m even researching the possibility of guardianship forms for a client in the close to ten years. I completed the obtained an LLB at the University of Nottingham and recommended the Summer School in Strasbourg, decided to go along to the first meeting violence. One of our first tasks was to practising law in the States when I qualify.” Unaccompanied Children department GDL at Nottingham Law School last Belgrade. Upon the completion of city to me. which was a great experience. I’m where she told us what sort of work we organise the archive files, make sure all the year and knew that I would progress the LLB, I started working as a legal really enjoying the course because would be doing and what previous interns relevant documents were present in each “I chose to study in the UK as I think on to the LPC. trainee. I went on to complete a I’m specialising in an area of law had got up to. file and send out documents to clients it is the best for law degrees and I postgraduate course in Tax and then which is of great interest to me. that were missing. This was done over DID YOU KNOW? “I heard about Nottingham Law chose NLS as it is one of the finest “It all seemed really interesting and decided that I wanted to learn more It’s a course that is not just for law several days as the Center was expecting School from the trainees at my and most prestigious law schools in since I also had some understanding about common law and the legal graduates, but for people from other an external audit from one of their major We’re currently arranging more exchange opportunities with employer’s London office. I chose the UK. of the Spanish language, I thought I profession within the UK in general. backgrounds. For example, some funding institutions. universities in San Francisco and Virginia. Keep your eyes peeled Nottingham Law School because would apply. Colleen considered my CV “I have a voluntary job working at of my classmates are lawyers but as a mature student coming from and passed it on to Elizabeth Lopez, the “I also got the chance to accompany for more details. Nottingham Refugee Forum, where I many come from other professional overseas, I wanted more all-round American attorney, who finally selected one of the attorneys and a client to an “After completing the advise refugees and asylum seekers occupations such as doctors support. I wanted to attend a LPC, my knowledge about accommodation and social and clinicians. university, not just a course provider. of the UK and Serbian security benefits. “My advice for other students is law will be unique “After my LLM I would like to study “I was encouraged never be afraid to try something for a PhD in Law at NTU. Eventually new. My greatest achievement since and could potentially to apply for an LLM I want to work for an international commencing study at Nottingham by one of the NTU bring new clients NGO such as Amnesty International, Law School was winning the 2013 to my employer’s the UN or Human Rights Watch.” Professors in Law commercial competition and competing in Paris. I participated law firm.” who I met on an in the mooting competition while “I have a voluntary International Summer studying on the GDL just to see “After completing the LPC, my School in Strasbourg.” if being a barrister might be a job working at knowledge of the UK and Serbian better choice for me. As long as Nottingham Refugee law will be unique and could you’ve learned something from the “The best thing about Nottingham potentially bring new clients to my Forum, where I experience, you haven’t wasted is the fact that it is affordable. employer’s law firm. I believe that your time.” advise refugees and There are nice places to see and studying the LPC and GDL provides asylum seekers about we have a great student life. I go you with much more than just to the ‘Viva La Fiesta’ parties which “My advice for other knowledge of current law. The skills accommodation are held by international students students is never gained are transferable and are of and social security in Nottingham and there is a really great importance and applicability be afraid to try benefits.” good atmosphere. You meet people in my future career.” something new.” from all over the world.”
10 11 ALL THINGS LAW OUR STAFF AND STUDENTS NATIONAL STUDENT SURVEY ALL THINGS LAW Our staff and students National Student Survey
Studying Law at a distance – a student’s view TELL THE WORLD HOW YOU FEEL I’m in my first year with Nottingham Trent The biggest thing for me is time The Law School has a fantastic course The learning materials are second to none studying Law. I study the LLB by distance management. I work 40 hours a week which makes studying easier. Your tutors and allow you to understand the law in ways AND ENTER THE NATIONAL STUDENT SURVEY learning and I’m on a three year track. Monday to Friday so I use my spare are just a phone call or an email away, you couldn’t before. It is very hard to get My friends and family think I have gone time to study. On my lunch breaks, the always willing to help. You don’t miss out motivated sometimes but if you keep your crazy. How can I work full-time, study commute to work, when the kids go to on the University experience studying ultimate goal in mind and you keep in touch If you’re a final-year undergraduate student, make your views on your Nottingham We’ll let you know the results (depending on how many people fill it in) and what full-time yet still have time for my children bed. Even sacrificing some nights out from a distance. We have four teaching with your tutors, nothing can stop you. Law School experience count by completing the National Student Survey. we’re doing in response. and the rest of my commitments? Maybe on the weekend has its benefits. You weekends a year where students and Take the step to study Law at your own The results feed into the university league tables and allow NTU to benchmark The survey only takes five minutes to complete and to say thank you, we’ll give I am crazy but the good thing is you have have to know what you want to achieve. tutors come together to consolidate pace and let it fit around YOU. I highly student satisfaction with other universities around the country. By completing the you £5 printing credit. the opportunity to decide how crazy you Be honest with yourself and see how what we have learned, as well as having recommend the distance learning course. survey, you help us to make improvements to your course and prioritise areas of want to be. You can do your degree over much you can really do with all your the chance to socialise and support The closing date for responses is Wednesday 30 April so fill it in now at So the question is, how crazy are you? development to the University. 3, 4, 5 or 6 years; a luxury you don’t get commitments. Short bursts of study are each other. www.ntu.ac.uk/ntuforever when attending the University full-time. best as you don’t feel so tired and retain By Andre Maingot There’s so many other things you can It still gives you a chance to work and information quicker. take advantage of such as the pro bono earn at the same time. scheme, summer schools and careers fairs.
How I became a Law Teacher ‘You said, we did’: a student perspective Helen Hudson, Head of Professional Programmes A major project has been completed I grew up surrounded by positive educational role models and watched these three We need a dedicated Law School over summer 2013 to create a brand strong women inspire others. They were all truly dedicated to their profession and reception area so it’s easier to new Law School reception area and new I wanted to find a job that made me feel like that. The problem was I also wanted make enquiries. Student Enquiry Point with a dedicated to do something different to them, to stand on my own two feet. I decided Law receptionist available to help you. was the career for me so I undertook a Law degree and trained as a solicitor in Manchester. Once qualified I moved to Nottingham and I worked in a high street practice specialising in family law, criminal work and general litigation. I enjoyed the work but always felt that there was something else I wanted to do. The creation of the new NLS Mooting We need more opportunities Club will give you increased and varied to get involved in mooting. I grew up surrounded by opportunities to be involved in mooting. positive educational role models We have increased the number of opportunities for you to be involved in the One night I was out in Nottingham with friends and work colleagues, one of whom We’d like more opportunities to get Law Clinic and expanded the variety of worked at Nottingham Law School as a lecturer and later became the Dean. We got involved in the Law Clinic. activities and types of advice you can be talking about the fact that I felt it was time for a move in terms of employment and he involved in, including outreach clinics and suggested that I applied for a lecturing job. He felt that it was something I would be good at and enjoy. Lecturing wasn’t something I had considered before. overseas placement opportunities. Once the idea had been planted I knew it was the right thing for me. Becoming a law lecturer has allowed me to use my knowledge and understanding of We have introduced the highly successful both black letter law and the practical application of the law to enthuse and inspire It would be good to be able to get advice ‘law buddy scheme’, and we have also others. Watching students struggling with complex concepts and problems and and support from students in higher years Helen Hudson being able to offer clear and accessible explanations is a joy. I found my vocation. enhanced our personal tutorials to give and benefit from their experience. you extra support. I come from a long line of teachers. My grandmother was a head teacher blessed with infinite patience and understanding. Her sister, my Nan, was also a head teacher but had a rather different style and if I’m honest she scared me a bit as a child. She didn’t intend to frighten my brother and me but she was strict and took none of our nonsense. We adored both of them and they were loved by their pupils. I decided Law was the career for We now invite a wider range of employers The job market is really competitive so than ever before to Law School events to My mother followed the family tradition and became a drama teacher. She filled our me so I undertook a Law degree and what can we do to stand out more than meet you and talk to you about how you house with thespians. She motivated and encouraged her pupils. Caroline Aherne trained as a solicitor in Manchester. all the other students? the comedienne (who is best known for Mrs Merton, The Fast Show and the Royale could become more employable. Family) first became interested in acting under the guidance of my mother. Past pupils of my mum remain in touch with her and still turn to her for advice. www.ntu.ac.uk/yswdl
12 13 ALL THINGS LAW LEX LAW SOCIETY AND FINALLY ALL THINGS LAW Lex Law Society ...and finally
Both the Lex netball and football teams saw an impressive amount of people join. Notes from the President This is yet another good way to meet new people and keep fit at the same time! Discounts and scholarships My name is Chloe Evans and I am this year’s Lex Law Society President. Lex is We have also had our Annual Networking and Dining Event, held in the function Remember: NTU students who progress directly onto our full-time GDL, LPC, BPTC Nottingham Law School’s student society and it is the biggest society Nottingham room in Pizzeria Savai. The feedback has been extremely positive and the decision or LLMs in 2014 are eligible for a progression discount. You’ll automatically receive Trent has to offer, with over 350 active members. has been made to organise another one for next term – so watch this space! a £1,000 discount on the LPC, BPTC and GDL or a 10% discount on the LLMs. Lex is comprised of various departments, including Mooting, Legal Volunteering So far this academic year has been an You can also apply for one of our scholarships, with a total discount of up to and Skills, Netball and Football teams, Social and Activity Officers and the Bar and exciting one for Lex and its members. £2,000 available. Legal Practice Officers who work tirelessly to organise trips and events. Plans are in place for next term – more socials, second and final rounds of Find out more at www.ntu.ac.uk/scholarshipsnls This year was kick-started by a busy week promoting Lex at the Freshers’ Fairs. the mooting competition, trips to the We wanted to make sure freshers’ and 2nd/3rd year students alike were aware Supreme Court, Royal Courts of Justice, of what Lex has planned this year and how being an active member of the Law the National Pupillage Fair, the Lincoln’s Society is a great advantage for both your CV and for getting the most out of your Inn Dining Event and hopefully a Upcoming events time here at NTU. successful run for both the netball and We have had weekly socials, where Law students have met other like-minded football teams! Read our blog Centre for Legal Education Conference – ‘The value of legal education’ – people across all of the courses NLS has to offer – and have got to let off some Chloe Evans We’re very excited to have launched the Nottingham Law School blog where staff Friday 7 and Saturday 8 February 2014 steam after working hard at university! Lex President 2013-2014 and students can debate and comment on the legal issues of today. LLM drop-in event – The first round of our mooting competitions are under way. This year we have seen At the moment we have John Hodgson’s tips to launch your legal career, student Wednesday 26 March 2014 some very impressive mooting indeed – the second rounds this term posts from George Holmer and James Olphert on prisoners’ right to vote and the are set to be of a very high standard! requirement to protect in international law, and a guest post from David Urpeth of Irwin Mitchell on Alternative Business Structures. Take a look at LPC and GDL open day – www.blogs.ntu.ac.uk/nlsblog Wednesday 26 March 2014 Bringing law students and lawyers closer together - Lex’s third We’re also on the look out for more law bloggers. If you would like to be involved Pupillage interview training day – send a sample post to [email protected] Saturday 29 March 2014 annual Networking and Dining Event LPC careers event – Wednesday 11 June 2014 “Networking is about gaining a of students and legal professionals, the evening with a speech of her own and my fellow Lex Committee members social edge. It’s about turning a first former amicably stepping up to the mark to match those of the profession. for their assistance in the arrangement GDL careers event – encounter with a stranger into a business by initiating conversation over drinks. of the event and to all those, both Wednesday 11 June 2014 The night certainly highlighted that all relationship with a trusted acquaintance.” Business cards were exchanged even professional and student, who attended. students of Nottingham Law School are – The Junior Lawyers Division, “Getting before seats were taken as those present widely acknowledged by those at the apex Suneet Sharma For more information on upcoming events visit www.ntu.ac.uk/nlsevents the best out of Networking”. settled down to enjoy a two-course meal. of the legal profession; so much so that Assistant Legal Practice Officer of 70 undergraduates from Nottingham Discussions on pointed developments the organisation of a second Networking Nottingham Law School’s Lex Law Society Law School were recently presented with within the legal sector concluded with Event was welcomed with enthusiasm. Committee 2013-2014 a rare opportunity to network with legal both sides of the profession imparting I would like to extend my thanks to Anne practitioners at the Lex Law Society’s their legal knowledge. My own table was Long, Siobahn Pepper, Simara La-Salett third annual Networking and Dining a hub of conversation and I was even Event. Pizzeria Savai, ‘Nottingham’s lucky enough to be treated to an account own slice of Italy’, was the venue for this of a day in the life of an Eversheds trainee. much anticipated event and with over Upon the conclusion of dinner, a number 30 legal professionals in attendance the of legal professionals had kindly agreed to banqueting suite was set to be brimming give speeches with introductions being led with legal minds. by my colleague, Anne Long. Attendees After a month of preparation by were led through the changing nature of myself and my fellow committee securing a career in law by a partner of members, demand for a seat next to Shoosmiths. An associate from Eversheds one of Nottingham’s prominent legal then provided an invaluable account of professionals was predictably high; over his own progression into the legal sector. 150 students indicated their interest in A unique insight into qualifying in-house the event. Interest was similarly high was offered by a member of Capital among the profession and in attendance One’s legal team, providing the first on the night was a Queen’s Council, Head in-house perspective to a Lex event. of Chambers and several senior partners The Head of Trent Chambers captured from some of Nottingham’s most the room with a speech focusing of distinguished law firms and chambers. the prospects of a career at the bar, The evening began with the arrival of gratifying all present by disclosing her trainees from regional law firm Browne most satisfying case, one that lasted Jacobson. As networking was under way 22 years and ended with her success. the room steadily became a melting pot Lex president Chloe Evans ended the
14 15 The magazine of Nottingham Law School Winter 2013-2014
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