SUMMER 2018

Student Success Legal Advice Centre Celebrating Excellence International Find out about the client Learn about the new Equine in Law evening Read what it was like to study interviewing competition and Law Clinic and the Autism Law Hear about some of the student in Lucerne, Switzerland. the prize giving evening. Service. projects involved. Welcome – Summer 2018

We are now coming to the end of the academic In this edition, we interviewed one of our Alumni, year and the next few weeks will be particularly busy Laura Hawkins who is currently working as a director for all of our students and staff within Nottingham of PR and Communications for a resort in the . Maldives. Laura graduated from Nottingham Law School in 2007 and has had a varied and This edition of All Things Law focuses on student successful career. success and our Celebrating Excellence in Law evening. I hope you enjoy reading about the Outlined in this issue are some of the great event and the student projects involved. These opportunities we have to offer including doing a work vary from the Persuasive Reasoning Project to the placement and studying abroad. You can also see Malaysia “Streetlaw” Conference. The event was an what upcoming events and conferences we have. opportunity to highlight and celebrate the success of In this issue current projects by NLS students and to thank invited Finally, I would like to say thank you to everyone that guests and staff for providing support. has contributed to this edition of All Things Law. We WELCOME 3 hope that you enjoy reading about the activity going You can also find out about our Law for Financial on within Nottingham Law School. LATEST IN LAW 4 Services pathway, which allows students to study and gain valuable experience working within a company Professor Janine Griffiths-Baker full-time during the final year of study. Dean, Nottingham Law School LEAD ARTICLE – CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN LAW 6

STUDENT SUCCESS 8

EMPLOYABILITY 10

LEGAL ADVICE CENTRE NEWS 12

INTERNATIONAL 14

ALUMNI 16

LAW SOCIETY DIVERSITY ACCESS SCHEME SCHOLARSHIP 18

RESEARCH NEWS 19

LAW FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES PATHWAY 20

THE NEW BLACK SOCIETY 21

TIPS FOR SMASHING YOUR BPTC 22

UPCOMING EVENTS AND GET INVOLVED 23

2 3 NOTTINGHAM LAW SCHOOL MAGAZINE LATEST IN LAW

New appointments

Our warmest congratulations to Honorary Professors Shaun Smith QC and District Judge Jason Reece on their appointment as Circuit Judges.

The Queen has appointed Shaun Smith QC to be a Circuit Judge on the advice of the Lord Chancellor, the Right Honourable David Lidington MP, and the Lord Chief Justice Michael Connor, Gemma Grant, Alan Bates and Kieran Thorne of England and Wales, the Right Honourable Lord Burnett of Maldon. The Lord Chief Justice has deployed him to the Midland Circuit, based at Derby Combined Court Centre. Ian Hutton Memorial Moot Shaun was called to the Bar in 1981 and took silk in 2008. He was appointed as a Recorder in 2001. On Wednesday 28 March 2018, Nottingham Law School held the eighth annual Ian Hutton Memorial Moot. Ian, who sadly died Jason Reece has been appointed a District Judge on the prematurely at the age of 47 in 2010, had worked hard to rise advice of the Lord Chancellor, the Right Honourable Michael above difficult personal circumstances as a child and teenager, Gove MP, and the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, initially as a professional actor. He then decided to change career the Right Honourable The Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd. The and joined Nottingham Law School as an LLB student, achieving Lord Chief Justice has deployed him to the Midland Circuit, the most outstanding first class degree that had ever been based at both Lincoln County Court and Nottingham County awarded. He went on to obtain a PhD, and then take the BVC. Court. Jason was called to the Bar in 2000, was appointed Deputy District Judge in 2010 and Joint Head of Chambers in He became a member of the consultant faculty within the Law US judge sworn into office on UK 2013. He is an NLS Bar Vocational Course (BVC) graduate. School and ultimately won a pupillage and then a tenancy at the prestigious Monckton Chambers in London. As a student, Ian had been a keen mooter, and he always took an interest in soil for the first time in centuries the development of young people. The annual undergraduate Experience Law Day mooting competition takes place in his memory.

On Tuesday 17 April, NLS welcomed over 50 college and sixth This years event was held in Nottingham Law School’s Courtrooms in the Chaucer building, using a criminal law form students from across the region to experience what it Nottingham Law School hosted a historic event in problem which required competitors to grapple with the right is like to study law at Nottingham Law School. The students March 2018 when a US judge was sworn into office of appeal and misconduct in public office. Alan Bates from were welcomed with an introduction with Carolyn Naughton, in our main courtroom. “This was a truly historic event and we are NLS Principal Lecturer where she provided the students with Monckton Chambers judged the moot. Alex Lucas from the honoured to have been involved in such a an overview of the School. The students then participated in Mooting Club ably clerked and kept time. Faculty staff member, Professor Peter Romary was a plea-in-mitigation workshop with Mark Thomas, NLS travelling with a group of the first US students from momentous occasion. Our relationship with Kieran Thorne and Michael Connor represented the appellant, Senior Lecturer. The workshop taught them how to build a Campbell Law School, North Carolina to join NLS’s Law Schools around the world enables our and Gemma Grant represented the respondent. The audience, plea-in-mitigation both in favour and against a defendant. LLM Legal Practice by distance learning course. The students then worked in groups to present their plea made up of NLS students and friends, watched Gemma take the students to learn and benefit from a wealth to the judge. The day concluded with a Q & A with currents prize not only for best overall mooter, but also best team. Professor Romary has been appointed to serve as a of experiences, and this is just one example students and a tour of the campus. pro-tem Judge in North Carolina and is required to of bringing the US legal system right to take an Oath of Office under the state constitution. Peter received special permission to have the swearing our door. Not only that, but we were also Tom Lewis’ Inaugural Lecture in ceremony in Nottingham as part of the visit so his delighted to welcome the first US students parents, who are based in the UK, could attend. On Wednesday 25 April, Tom Lewis onto our LLM distance learning course delivered his inaugural lecture to a It is believed that this is the first time a US judge has – four of whom are judges.” large audience consisting of staff, been sworn into office in the UK since the 1700s. students and family. His lecture Judge Jeff Foster administered the oath and the explored the role that empathy Dean of Campbell Law School also spoke a few Professor Janine Griffiths-Baker – essentially, putting one’s self words about the US legal system and the role of Dean of Nottingham Law School in the shoes of others – might judges. play in the resolution of human rights claims. Particular attention was paid to the approach of the European Court of Human Global Week 2018 Roundtable event Rights in its case law concerning bans on forms of religious dress, The annual event took place from 26 February to 2 March On Wednesday 17 January, the Vice Chancellor, Professor in particular the Islamic veil. The protection provided by the and is organised to celebrate the vast array of cultures at NTU, Edward Peck, hosted a roundtable event. Attendees included European Court to those people subject to such bans (in states which is home to approximately 2,600 international students a number of CEO’s and senior partners of regional law firms such as France, Belgium and Turkey) has been weak. The lecture from around 100 different countries. and organisations, who all joined NLS to celebrate their was well received by all who attended. contribution to recent NTU successes. Guests engaged Throughout the week countries from across the globe were in discussion around how NLS can develop ever-stronger represented by our students including Afghanistan, Portugal, partnerships with law firms and ensure our graduates are China, Australia, Zimbabwe, India, Poland, Romania, El Intellectual Property Lecture equipped with relevant skills to match the profession’s Salvador, Sri Lanka and France. evolving needs. It also provided an opportunity to share the Earlier this year, Jane Jarman, Associate Professor at Nottingham School’s plans for training the next generation of lawyers. Nottingham Law School held multiple events during the Law School, delivered a lecture to Art and Design students week, including talks on ‘Critical Legal Thinking, Aristotle, regarding Intellectual Property. looking at the ancient Greek context as forerunner of the Using past case studies, Jane explained to the students how to rule of law’, ‘Medical law, Organ Transplantation’ and ‘Public protect their creative work, whether they are applying for jobs, International Law, State and diplomatic immunity’. 4 engaging in live briefs or working for themselves. 5 NOTTINGHAM LAW SCHOOL MAGAZINE LEAD ARTICLE

The Law School’s Celebrating Excellence in Law evening took place on Tuesday 6 March and welcomed many external guests, students and Nottingham Law School (NLS) staff. The event was an opportunity to Celebrating Excellence showcase and celebrate the success of current projects by NLS students and to thank invited guests and staff for providing support. This event would not have been possible without the support of the individuals, firms and organisations who assist the School in many ways. This occasion represented a wonderful in Law evening opportunity to celebrate student achievements, and offered an invaluable opportunity for all students to network with a wide variety of practitioners and organisations. The evening was brought to a close with Here are just a few of the projects discussed at the event: a drinks reception.

Persuasive Reasoning Project Sutton Trust, Pathways to Law programme Lahraib Iqbal, Adrian Opara, Rebecca Rizos, Ini-Obong Nkang Eloise Bannister, James Chapman, Renee Freeman

Persuasive Reasoning is a central attribute to any successful lawyer; Pathways to Law is a two-year programme that is sponsored by the it is a trait that has been associated with Law since the times of Ancient Sutton Trust and delivered jointly by Nottingham Trent University and Athens. Students participating in the Persuasive Reasoning Project The . (PRP) are often encouraged to talk, think, and practise persuasive reasoning. We were granted the opportunity to take part in the programme during our A-levels in 2015. Since then we have been exposed to PRP has allowed us to discuss and put into practice a diverse range of a range of incredibly valuable opportunities which have helped to Persuasive Reasoning techniques adopted in Law, as well as giving us widen our access to the legal profession by enabling us to explore the Malaysia “Streetlaw” insight into other forms of persuasive reasoning and the instances in field of law and build the essential knowledge, skills and confidence which those methods were adopted successfully, and why. required to go on to higher education and the world of work. Conference Within the past five months our PRP members have achieved a number Throughout the programme, we have benefited greatly from a work of milestones. Some members took part in contacting Barristers in a experience placement, mentoring from older and more experienced bid to obtain their skeleton arguments from pivotal judgements, as we students, a trip to the Inner Temple and a four day residential at the targeted high-ranking cases that took place in the past five years. University of Warwick. We found the support we received with UCAS applications particularly beneficial as it helped to ensure our smooth Some of our members also made PRP into a society within the transition into Nottingham Law School. University. A successful presentation was delivered to Nottingham Trent Students’ Union (NTSU) detailing why the project should be The Pathways to Law programme is truly one of a kind, providing us affiliated with NTSU and how it would enrich the university experience and other state school students with opportunities we would not of other students. This provides an opportunity for students to put their have otherwise been exposed to. persuasive skills to the test.

Being a society within the University, we are able to run a number of activities in the next academic year. Some of the activities include workshops and classes aimed at improving public speaking, written arguments, perfecting business proposals, how to appeal to potential employers, and how to approach a job interview.

Rebecca Herbert and Edward Gould

Rachael Dawson, Renee Freeman, Eloise Bannister and Paula Moffatt Our trip to Malaysia – We also had several excursions organised: the Attorney General’s We were delighted to give a presentation at the Celebrating what an experience! Office; the High Court of Kuala Lumpur; Excellence in Law evening. Our presentation was based on a series Edward Gould tours of the city; a visit to the city of of talks we made when we visited four schools in Nottingham to Putrajaya; the Batu Caves; and a trip to Lahraib Iqbal, Adrian Opara, Rebecca Rizos, Ini-Obong Nkang speak to year 11 students with an interest in law. The celebratory Melaka (where we enjoyed a boat trip evening was beneficial to us and it was humbling that so many The main reason for mine and along the river). We had a visit from our accomplished and influential people were interested in Pathways to Rebecca’s two-week Student Pro Vice-Chancellor Cillian Ryan and The Celebrating Excellence in Law 2018 event was one that Law, and our experience. Exchange Programme to the others too! a select few members of PRP were privileged to attend. It was University of Malaya, Kuala We jumped at the opportunity to represent the programme at one that celebrated the amazing range of activities undertaken by We ended our time in Malaysia by this event as Pathways to Law has helped us so much in getting Lumpur was for a conference. members of NLS, and further proved that whatever your interest attending ‘Cultural Night’, where to university and during our first year here. The evening was an The title of the conference was is in Law, there is a society or project for you to get involved in we enjoyed performances from opportunity to develop and practise our advocacy skills, and we are within the University. ‘Child Protection: Safeguard of the represented countries including proud to have addressed so many people in our first year. We were Nation’s Future Pillars’. We were tribal and traditional dances/singing. extremely nervous, but we thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and The event was timely and the reception provided an opportunity asked to conduct a presentation. Countries included Japan, China, to network with members of the Law School, as well as judges, will continue to help the Pathways to Law programme in any way Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the practitioners, visiting professors, barristers and representatives possible. Mine focussed on the Children UK was also represented by Rebecca from law firms. Act 1989, the role of the NSPCC singing Adele. Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in making the programme possible, particularly our mentors and the Working Together to Safeguard Children Guidelines. It We made some great friends on our Paula Moffatt and Rachael Dawson who have supported us along the Programme, whom we intend to visit way. was a great opportunity to discuss again in the future. A huge thank you to other jurisdictions represented at Nottingham Law School and its many 6 the conference. employees for making this possible! 7 NOTTINGHAM LAW SCHOOL MAGAZINE STUDENT SUCCESS

“I would highly recommend partaking or observing in the next competition.” LEX and Shoosmiths Nottingham Law Annual Negotiation School Prize Competition Giving Evening Alexandria Chang, LLB Law (full-time)

Four years ago, NLS alumnus Rick Thomas, extremely high. It was a fantastic evening, (Second Year LLB Student). Joy Davies and Nottingham Law School welcomed founded the annual negotiation competition seeing so many students engaging in extra- Judith Ward (Head of Department at NLS) prize-winning students, their families and as he experienced first-hand the challenges curricular activities and enhancing their skills. came along to support the evening and friends, and sponsors of the prizes to of obtaining work experience within the legal award the finalists with trophies, medals and an awards ceremony in The Old Library. field. Rick has continued his commitment to personalised hoodies! The evening ended with a celebratory the competition even in his current career reception where drinks and canapés at Shoosmiths whereby he continues to Sam Robinson commented “I thought it was were served. Billy Shaw receives his award make positive steps to help NTU students. a great opportunity to gain some practical The competition provides students with experience of legal negotiation. The whole Over 40 prizes were awarded to the opportunity to gain experience and process was well organised by LEX and successful Law School students, the “I was so surprised when I found out I’d won an award and it was brilliant the chance to win a brilliant prize of work Shoosmiths and in spite of the sometimes majority for outstanding academic to feel that my hard work had been recognised! The evening was experience at Shoosmiths. comic scenario names and audience, it felt performance. Other prizes were like a genuine negotiation. I’d say to anybody presented for mooting, pro bono work, rewarding in itself, being able to meet members of the law school, fellow This year’s competition involved an initial who is a bit nervous about doing it that, advocacy, research and work carried out prize winners and the sponsors of the prizes - it was great to celebrate workshop held in October, where students everyone I met, from other competitors on placement. Skills in certain areas of together. It really was apparent how much talent was in the room, not were given details and introduced to The semi-final and final round were to solicitors, were really friendly and law such as business and family law were only from the prize winners but from the professionals too. Thank you negotiating, allowing them to develop this hosted at Shoosmiths Nottingham Office, approachable, and working in pairs helps to also recognised with awards. to Nottingham Law School for hosting such a wonderful evening - and where qualified solicitors and partners of vital skill and sign up to participate within the take some of the pressure off. Especially as congratulations to all prize winners for their recognised hard-work!” competition. This introductory workshop Shoosmiths conducted the judging. There there is someone else to speak to if you get Two prizes were awarded to staff was also the opportunity for students to included speeches from the previous a bit tongue-tied. It’s certainly something I’d members Emma Winfield (for Academic Ed Gould, LLB Law (full-time) winners giving a first-hand insight to their observe the negotiations and network with recommend getting involved in.” Tutor of the Year) and Amanda Rushby experience and Rick gave some of his own solicitors. (for Personal Tutor of the Year). personal top tips on how to be a successful I would highly recommend partaking or negotiator! The workshop was very popular The finalists had to negotiate a deal for 20 observing in the next competition as it and a huge success resulting in over 50 minutes acting on behalf of their clients to is a great way to develop the vital skill of students signing up to the competition. try and achieve the most desirable result. negotiating, enhance your public speaking, There were many points that needed communication and confidence. Make sure The first round of the competition was conceding, however acknowledging the you are following LEX to keep updated! Nottingham Law judged by myself, Gemma Grant (LEX time constraint, the finalists had to use their Competitions Clerk) and Joy Davies (NLS initiative to ensure all points were covered,  NTULawSocietyLEX School Client Lecturer and Director of The Centre for following the instructions of their client. Mediation and Dispute Resolution). The The winners of the competition were Sam Interviewing Robinson (LPC Student) and Lewis Moore standard of all those participating was Competition Shannon Keenan shortlisted It was an absolute pleasure to have analytics. During my research it became my submission on the ‘Future of Legal obvious that the rapid development of The Nottingham Law School (NLS) for Law & Technology Practice’ to be shortlisted in the JUSTIS legal technology has already disrupted Client Interviewing Competition International Writing Law & Technology International Writing the traditional provision of legal services. concluded with the final at the NLS Competition. Matthew Terrell, Head of And that the question whether technology Legal Advice Centre on Wednesday Competition 2018 Marketing at Justis commented that: has upgraded the legal sector or started 15 November 2017. a ‘structural collapse’ is rather otiose as “Today, businesses and professionals you can’t ‘disinvent’ technology meaning The student teams were judged by Faye use blog articles to inform, educate traditional firms must adapt if they are Deverell (Senior Supervising Solicitor “It has been interesting to observe The counselling part of the interview was and influence, attract new customers, going to survive. at the Legal Advice Centre), Julie and feedback on team dynamics in given particular focus in relation to the and engage in a broader conversation Higginbottom (NLS Pastoral Advisor) and a client interview. Usually, the initial viability of client options. A number within their industry. We created the The competition taught me to explore fields Helen Taylor (Senior Lecturer) on a tricky client interview is a solo task but the of creative solutions were proposed by Law & Technology International Writing within the legal industry that I would never contract law scenario. competition has given the students the teams with a focus on client need, Competition, to offer today’s students an have considered and provided me with a life the opportunity to reflect upon and financial and emotional impact being opportunity to stand out as individuals highly time experience, as I got the opportunity Junely Coker and Harnaam Bassan develop team-working relationships in a assessed and explained. capable of producing excellent content.” to go up against some of the most were announced the winners, with the high pressure situation. The standard of prestigious universities in the world such as runners up being Tara Meats and Cindy student performance was very high this Junely and Harnaam went on to attend I focussed my article on ‘Whether the University of Oxford and Harvard Law Boateng. Deputy Dean, Jenny Chapman year and made decision making for us the regional final competition in Sheffield technology has upgraded the legal sector School. A massive thank you to Nottingham presented all the finalists with their prizes. very difficult.” – Helen Taylor on Saturday 10 February 2018. or started a structural collapse.’ I analysed Trent University and Nottingham Law a three-part approach that enables the School, and to Nigel Hudson who expansion of legal technology, namely supervised me during the process. automation, artificial intelligence and “The Client Interviewing Competition has really increased my confidence and communication skills. I also find that it helps Shannon Keenan, LLB Law (full-time) me to keep the practical side of the law in mind during my studies. I was very grateful to have the opportunity to attend the regional final competition in Sheffield. The day consisted of two rounds, which were equally as challenging. From this day, I learnt the importance of being able to deal with any obstacle that I may face when interviewing clients. This day also provided great networking opportunities to benefit me in the formulation of my career.” 8 Junely Coker, LLB Law with Psychology 9 NOTTINGHAM LAW SCHOOL MAGAZINE EMPLOYABILITY

Nottingham Law School Employability Placement Students Newsletter ntu.ac.uk/employability Torell Hector – Cartwright King Solicitors Each month, a dedicated team of Nottingham Law School During my time at Cartwright King I was a crown court litigator in the Crime department. (NLS) Employability Champions are putting together a This meant I would prepare cases by taking instructions from clients and I would complete newsletter that is only a few pages long, but gives you the paperwork to get the cases ready for trial in the Crown Court. This experience also offered most important employability events that we believe, will be me the opportunity to assist barristers at court during the course of trials. beneficial to you. We have produced some on the NLS Law Fair, applying for placements, and our recent issue includes I also gained a police station accreditation qualification during my placement, which allows assessment centre and interview tips. me to represent clients during interviews at the police station. This qualification has allowed me to stay working with the firm whilst having returned to university. Usually postgraduates We have developed this Employability newsletter with you, on the LPC or trainee solicitors gain this qualification, so it makes me vastly more employable the students, in mind. So that you can get the most out of upon graduation. being here at NTU and utilise the Employability team, as they The best advice I can give to students looking to apply for work placements is to ensure that really are very good at what they do. Just go along and speak you have confidence in your own ability. I did not think I would be in the situation I am in to them! They have drop-in sessions and put on an array of now when I first applied for my placement and it is sometimes just through putting yourself events that can help you feel at ease whether it is to do with forward that the best opportunities arise. networking, interviews, CV tips and applications. All of which are invaluable and can really help you, especially when applying for work experience, placements and graduate jobs. Look out for the newsletter on the NTU Employability Facebook Becky Thompson – Browne Jacobson page and the Employability Champions also promote it via their social media platforms including, LinkedIn, Facebook I decided that I wanted to do a work placement at Browne Jacobson as they had and Twitter. existing links to the university and I had therefore spoken to their employees at law fairs. The firm’s culture was so well suited to me. Everyone I met throughout Yes, you’ve all probably heard it a million times, but when the year was like-minded and friendly. My team were amazing and so welcoming; you are 1 of maybe 1,000 applicants, now is the time when I was treated like a permanent member of staff rather than a placement student. it really counts. I was given opportunities to do new and interesting work when possible because Shannon Gray, LLB Business Law the partners and solicitors wanted me to get the most out of my experience.  NTUEmployabilityLaw The experience I have gained is invaluable, I have been able to deal with the pressures of final year much more appropriately and I feel that my employability has improved considerably.

Cindy Boateng – Phillips Solicitors The application and interview process was quite straightforward, thanks to the help from the Annual Law Fair NLS Employability team. The interviewers at Phillips were very approachable and they were not just solely interested in my qualifications and previous legal experiences, they took the time to get to know me as a person and I found that was a really refreshing approach. At the start of the year, Nottingham Law School held the Students were able to meet and network with recruiters, HR During my placement, I was doing a lot of paralegal duties in the different legal departments annual Law Fair. The event was for all years and for anyone teams and legal professionals. A range of bookable workshops at Phillips Solicitors. I was put in charge of opening new client files, drafting letters and who has an interest in working in the legal and related sectors. took place on the day of the fair too such as ‘Becoming emails to clients, taking telephone calls from clients and third parties, filing and billing of files, a Trade Mark Attorney - Harley Davidson’, ‘Eversheds - applying conducting legal research, sitting in client interviews, creating attendance notes, transcribing for training contracts and vacation schemes’ and ‘Life at the police interviews of clients and accompanying solicitors to the Magistrate and Crown Courts. Junior Bar - Ropewalk Chambers’. These are just a few highlights of my role during my work placement.

I felt that the placement was really useful in allowing me to develop key transferable skills that I can now take with me to any organisation that I join once I graduate.

Lorenzo Raffaini – Lenovo Technology UK Ltd I was keen to take a work placement as I wanted to work with a global company, as my future aim is to work abroad. I have always been interested in the IT industry and believe that it is one of the few markets that will continue to grow significantly, as the world becomes more technologically dependant.

One responsibility that I did really enjoy during my placement was managing and organising demo units to be sent for the sales teams to sell to customers and to take to shows to demonstrate the latest and greatest products that Lenovo have to offer.

I think my placement has been invaluable to my studies as well as my personal development, as a young professional who is starting their working career. 10 11 NOTTINGHAM LAW SCHOOL MAGAZINE LEGAL ADVICE CENTRE NEWS

Legal Advice Centre News Student Pro Bono

ntu.ac.uk/nlslac Committee

Ashley Fredericks has joined the Legal Winners of the Advice Centre (LAC) as a Supervising “The Business and Enterprise Solicitor for the Business and Enterprise Law Law Service aims to support Service and supports local businesses and businesses, entrepreneurs and Law School other institutions to access legal advice. charities which simply cannot afford to pay for legal advice at Challenge 2017/18 His corporate expertise and experience the rates set by more standard has helped to develop the LAC’s pro bono private practice law firms. In this way, the Legal Advice Centre offering. Previously, Ashley worked at Gateley The Law School Challenge is a fundraising Plc, where he specialised in contentious makes a valuable contribution initiative designed to support the facilitation and non-contentious corporate restructuring/ to meet a previously unmet of free legal advice by raising money and insolvency law and was exposed to a variety need of our East Midlands awareness for two charities: LawWorks and of matters across numerous sectors. business community.” Bar Pro Bono Unit. Nottingham Law School He trained at Bond Dickinson LLP in were up against a number of different Newcastle-upon-Tyne, where he completed Ashley Fredericks, Supervising Solicitor university law schools from across the a corporate and insolvency disputes-focused at the LAC Ashley Fredericks country to try and fundraise as much money training contract. as possible.

With the competition running from October to March, the Committee came up with Equine Law Clinic different initiatives to raise money and worked as a team to make sure they happened. The Our new Equine Law clinic is held at Rebecca works alongside trained NLS main initiative came from Gemma Grant, Southwell Library and is a joint venture student advisers from the Legal Advice who had the idea of selling Nottingham Law between Nottingham Law School’s (NLS) Centre, to offer free legal advice during School hoodies. Legal Advice Centre and the School of 45 minute pre-booked appointments. Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Through the hard work and liaison with in partnership with leading law firm People who would like to access the staff members, this idea became a brilliant Shakespeare Martineau. Rebecca Stojak, service can book an appointment by success. A hoodie sale took place in January, Nottingham based solicitor and expert contacting the Legal Advice Centre with resulting in hundreds of students queuing and in equine law at Shakespeare Martineau, brief details of the enquiry. the hoodies selling out within thirty minutes. provides the specialist advice and Two months later, a further 200 hoodies were supervises the cases dealt with by Details can be provided by either phoning sold which raised around £3500 for the Law the clinic. 0115 848 4262 or by emailing [email protected] School Challenge. The clinic offers free legal advice on The Committee continued to raise more equine law issues including horse money by hosting two bake sales in passports, sale and purchase disputes, land November and March and a quiz where disputes, riding accidents, horse insurance a further £350 was raised. claims and buying and selling stables. They could not have done it without the incredible work from the Student Pro Bono Committee, Lauren Kilbride who manages the Autism Law Service Committee, the support of the Legal Advice Centre team and staff and students who The Autism Law Service is designed to to contribute to the policy conversations autism, but vulnerable clients generally - an purchased a hoodie or cake. complement the existing Nottingham surrounding autism awareness and access to issue which is of increasing concern within Law School Legal Advice Centre (LAC) justice for people with autism. the legal profession. In total, the committee managed to fundraise services and increase access to justice for an extraordinary £4,027, quadrupling the autistic individuals and their families. The In January 2018, a team of NLS students In addition to casework, the student amount raised last year. project is based on an idea presented by were recruited as volunteers to the Service. volunteers will be producing a series of a GDL graduate in late 2016. The aims of The student volunteers received training toolkits that will be available through the LAC On Saturday 24 March, Nottingham Law the Service are to: review LAC procedures, from a local autism charity, Autism East website and local advice agencies. These School were announced the winners of policies and training to make their services Midlands – focusing on adapting their toolkits will cover a range of topics from The Law School Challenge 2017/ 18. The and their premises more accessible to communication styles to match the diverse Reasonable Adjustments to the impact of committee collected their award from the the autistic community; and develop needs of autistic clients. The LAC hopes that Social Welfare reform. Attorney General at the House of Commons specialist legal provision catered to the the training provided to their volunteers will, on Wednesday 25 April 2018. needs of autistic people. They also intend not only help them to support those with

Nottingham Law School were awarded a Platinum award, which was introduced 12 solely because of how much they had raised. 13 NOTTINGHAM LAW SCHOOL MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL

International visits to Latvia and Nigeria

Georgina Hellawell LLB Law (full-time)

During the second semester of my the very current refugee crisis in Europe. I experienced an second year, I was lucky enough to entirely different legal system to the common law system we have here. The opportunity to take short-term modules Nigeria Latvia have the opportunity to spend my time was great, with the learning taking place across a week. I studying at the University of Lucerne studied Copyright Law and a Behavioural Analysis of the Law Nottingham Law School has long established links with On Friday 23 February 2018, John Tingle, Associate Professor in central Switzerland. I decided to go module, which took a really interesting approach at how universities and the legal profession in Nigeria. In early February and Clayton O’Neill, a lecturer at Nottingham Law School actions of people affect the outcome of cases. 2018, John Tingle visited Lagos with international development visited Riga to deliver presentations at the University of for this option offered by Nottingham colleagues from Nottingham Trent University. John visited Latvia International Scientific Conference on Medicine. They Studying abroad provided me with opportunities that I could Babcock University, Covenant University and the Nigerian presented papers on patient safety, defective drugs and the Law School as I wanted my university never have experienced staying in the UK. The University School of Law where he spoke to over 1000 law students about effect of religion on patient safety protocols. They spoke about experience to be different from of Lucerne welcomed me and the friends I would go on to global patient safety issues. global patient safety issues and met key Latvian Ministry of meet with skiing trips, concerts and Swiss food experiences, the norm. Health officials where they discussed their research. including chocolate factories and breweries! One of my John will be returning to Lagos again later this year to pursue It was the best decision I ever made, Switzerland, especially favourite moments was taking part in the Fastnacht Festival. his global patient safety research and to meet students who During the week, they also visited local university law schools Lucerne is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been, A huge celebration to commemorate the start of spring wish to come to Nottingham Law School to study on our to build links. Emily Pritchard who is a third year LLB (Hons) with the picturesque views of a quaint Swiss town and the which lasted for three days and made me revise my opinion extensive LLM programme. Law (distance learning) student joined John and Clayton on atmosphere of a bustling city all rolled into one. I can say that the Swiss are reserved. their visit. Emily is employed as an assistant hospital complaints that nothing makes you want to start your day more than manager in a UK hospital and found the visit very useful for her I can’t express how much studying abroad has benefited being able to see Mt. Pilatus from your bedroom window. job and studies. John, Clayton and their research colleague, me. When I arrived back in the UK, balancing the workload Morgan Shimwell, will be returning to Riga later this year to with my frequent trips around the rest of Europe (thanks to I decided to study at Lucerne as it offered study modules pursue further global patient safety research initiatives. that I had yet to come across in my studies at Nottingham Switzerland’s convenient location) has prepared me for my Law School. I took modules in Humanitarian Law, Internet final year of study. I have made friends for life and it’s always Law and Migration Law which was absolutely my favourite good to have connections for when I travel again! course. I had the opportunity to take part in a migration law seminar with speakers such as Professor Goodwin- Being able to study abroad reignited my passion for learning Gill, a key figure in International Refugee Law and the UN and helped me focus on what I want to do with my future. Special Rapporteur on Torture, Professor Nils Melzer. It also I will hopefully go on to study a Masters in International allowed me to play an active role in a debate discussing Refugee Law after completing my LLB. 14 15 NOTTINGHAM LAW SCHOOL MAGAZINE ALUMNI

What do you enjoy most about your current position? Please could you tell us a bit about your daily routine at work?

Laura-Jane Hawkins Director of PR and Communications Social media is our biggest tool as it’s so powerful, especially Firstly I go to the management meeting at 8.30am and we video, which is the king! Thankfully, that is where my job discuss the day ahead. I will usually then go into the office to as a video journalist has come in handy. The highlights of catch up on emails, social media and plan any future PR trips Could you give us a description of your job role? this career so far is simply launching the biggest, newest from journalists, bloggers or social influencers. I’ll often then resort in the country and within 9 months of opening, we have an arrival so I’ll make my way to the jetty to welcome any My current job is Director of PR and Communications at Kandima in had 92% occupancy over the festive period which was a big new journalists / celebrities. the Maldives. We are a lifestyle resort on a 1.8-mile-long island. My achievement for us all. Obviously living in such a stunning job is to lead a team that promotes Kandima worldwide. location with glorious weather every day is a big bonus, Later on, I will take them on a site inspection around the resort that takes 2 hours and then take them out that evening for I arrange for celebrities and social influencers to come onto the but it is the excitement I get from planning events for PR dinner. In-between, I will be in the office catching up with the island, as well as print and online journalists from all over the world purposes, photo shoots or inviting great guests to come out PR agents that we have working for Kandima, going around the to come and experience Kandima. A lot of the job is planning for here. Engagement is key – whether that be a big social media resort for social media purposes or coming up with new plans these visits and then hosting them when they arrive, but we also have competition or identifying the right social influencer / content and ideas. I am often hosting until 1am or 2am in the morning to look after all social media channels, write press releases, create creator to come over and promote the resort as a fun, active, – showing that the Maldives can be fun and it isn’t the sleepy cool content and I also organise many competitions which bring family-friendly resort, which is a place for everyone. place that everyone thinks. My day can be tiring, but it is a lot of awareness to this new resort. How did your course at NTU help with your fun, especially when you meet such interesting people from all professional career? over the world.

I learnt so much throughout my four years at NTU and I am so happy that it is the university that I choose to go to. I think my Law degree has helped me tremendously throughout my career as it shows employers that you are hard-working, have sound analytical skills, good research and people skills, good Name: Laura-Jane Hawkins communication skills and overall you have perseverance, which Course studied at NTU: LLB Law (full-time) is needed for all careers. Year of graduation: 2007 Job title: Director of PR and Communications What have been the biggest challenges you have faced Company: Kandima Maldives in your profession?

With my TV reporting, the biggest challenge was time What was your best memory of your time at NTU? management. I would arrive at a story, find out what’s going on, I started working for Kandima five months before it opened so there conduct several interviews, film a piece to camera or do a live That’s so difficult to answer as when I look back on my years at NTU, was also a lot of internal communications that needed to be set up broadcast and then still have to script, write and edit a radio and I really loved every second of it! The social life at NTU is amazing and and planning for our launch parties – one in London, one in Berlin TV report for both the lunchtime news and evening news. It the city itself is such a fun place to live. and the largest here at Kandima. It was a huge task! could be extremely stressful but also very exciting, challenging and rewarding. The girls I met on that first night in September 2003 are still my What route did you take to get to your current job position? best friends fifteen years later! The friendships I made with those in my Law classes have grown stronger year after year, as we have Well…it’s a long story! After I finished my Law degree at NTU my best supported each other through our careers and life’s adventures. friend from NTU asked me what my dream job was. It was always to be a barrister but I had also dreamt of being a TV reporter. He I really enjoyed my law degree from day one and just loved that encouraged me to try this first, saying I could always go back to Law. I lived right in the middle of a cool city with so much to do. NTU were So after some apprehension, I applied for a Masters in Broadcast fantastic at organising fresher’s week and parties, events and special Journalism. nights every week. After graduating, I was a TV reporter / Video Journalist for British What was your greatest achievement as a student Forces News and my first two years were based in Germany. I then of Nottingham Law School? completed two 3-month tours of Afghanistan, reporting on the situation out there at the time. For seven years, I travelled the world Before starting at NTU, I had taken a year out and gone travelling to reporting on everything from military training, court cases, welfare Australia. In my second year I applied for an exchange with students issues, the royal family, sport and stories of true inspiration. from Queensland University in Brisbane. There were only two spots available and I was awarded a place! After seven years, I started working for an NGO in the Philippines. With my PR job, my biggest challenge is working out the best We were helping rebuild houses for victims of Typhoon Haiyan and PR plan for the year. We need to see a return on investment I thankfully did well in my classes, had some incredible adventures I really enjoyed working on this small island with the local people. for everything we do and it’s difficult to always know if the and made friends that I am still very close with today. I am always Whilst I was in the Philippines, I met a friend of a friend who asked hottest social influencer you’re bringing to the resort, is really grateful that it was NTU that organised the exchange and gave if I’d like to be the PR Director of Kandima. I had never worked in so significant and so influential that others will follow them and me that invaluable experience of living in Australia at 21 years old, hospitality, in the Maldives or officially PR and Communications but I actually book! encouraging me to work, study and be totally independent whilst thought I would give it a go and here I am, almost 18 months later! I was out there.

What did you enjoy most about your course? Do you have any advice for students considering coming to NTU? The most beneficial aspect of my degree were the tutors that taught me. They had so much passion for the law, the case studies, the Going to university isn’t all about the choose it as a university. I would also My parents always said to me ‘what course that they delivered and so much energy and drive to support course that you study. It’s about the tell potential students not to over-think you put in, is what you get out’ and it’s us. I will always appreciate that they were approachable and open environment around you, the location, or over worry about what course they very true. If there is something that you and I always felt that I could go to see them with any query I had, the mind-set, effort and passion that choose. Nothing is set in stone. Times really want to do – then you can do it! especially Roger Sexton, John Tingle and John Hodgson. is put in by the staff, and the sport, are not as they used to be, where you You just need to put the effort, energy events and activities you’ll have the choose one career and stick with it, it’s and time into doing it, studying for it, opportunity to do outside of studying. now ok to change throughout your life practising it! NTU is a perfect platform NTU has all of these positive qualities time and take on new challenges. for any career that you may want to do. 16 and I would recommend anybody to 17 NOTTINGHAM LAW SCHOOL MAGAZINE THE LAW SOCIETY’S DIVERSITY ACCESS SCHEME SCHOLARSHIP Gary Steel, LLM LPC (part-time) Research News

In 2016 I was the only male awardee of The Law Society’s Diversity The most nerve-racking part of the process was the formal interview Access Scheme (DAS) scholarship to study the Legal Practice at The Law Society in Chancery Lane. I was faced with three very Course. The Scholarship also provided me with a mentor in the high ranking members of the Society in one of their most impressing profession and a brilliant opportunity to network. I was successful and intimidating rooms on one of the hottest days of the year. Each due to my background. member questioned me on a different aspect of my application. I feared the worse when questioned by a retired senior partner at I left school at the age of 14 to care for my mum. This meant that I Clifford Chance (unbeknown to me) on my essay in which I had was not given the opportunity to gain GCSE’s or A-Levels. However, mentioned Clifford Chance. He asked why I thought they had I did not allow that to stop me! When I was 18, I met my partner who implemented a blind recruitment process. My answer was “publicity, was studying Law at the University of Nottingham and I attended they are getting good candidates so the only reason I can think of is a Land Law lecture with him. I was hooked. I signed up to The publicity!”. His response was to explain his connection to the firm. Open University’s LLB (Hons) degree programme and 6 long hard I wanted the chair to swallow me up. years later, in which I still cared for my mum, I graduated with a 2:2. Considering my educational background (or lack of), I am extremely Once I was awarded the scholarship, I felt completely vindicated on proud of my classification. the choice I made to slog it out and try to qualify. This vindication has been non-stop all of my year as an awardee. A friend told me about The Law Society’s DAS scholarship and at first I did not think I would qualify because I was a white 29 year old man (and there are loads of them in the law). However, I made the “If you plan to make an application, my advice application as I did not want to look back and regret not trying every is to be honest and open especially about avenue to qualify. your finances.” Law and Politics of the Jonathan Doak Partnership, LLP The application was challenging and it took me about three months Syrian Conflict and LLC Law Conference Congratulations to Professor Jonathan to complete. It required an essay on a given topic and a personal A part of the scholarship is a work experience placement; mine Doak on the award of £8,350 from the statement. was at Eversheds Sutherland in Nottingham. However, the main Symposium on Syria The inaugural conference of the Knowledge Exchange and Impact Fund placements are at the BBC and the Government Legal Department Partnership Law Forum, which was In May we held a Symposium which part of the Safety and Security of Citizens The essay on my application was ‘Whether the Equality Act 2010 has in London. I shadowed trainees in each department which was supported by the Society of Legal discussed the ongoing conflict in Syria. and Society Research Theme for his improved diversity in the Legal Profession?’. This was a dream for me valuable, mostly as it made my mind up that was not Scholars, and by Nottingham Law The discussion was well attended by proposed project: “Restorative Justice because I had many views on this topic and enjoyed researching the for me. School, attracted over thirty registered Academics from NTU, other nearby in Criminal Justice: Training for Trainers”. area. I did not want to appease the panel so I concluded that lawyers delegates including academics institutions and members of the Syrian Feedback on the process was that a large are very clever and will find a way to discriminate without being If you plan to make an application, my advice is to be honest and specialising in law and business from community in the Midlands. This number of high-quality applications were caught by the provisions of the Equality Act 2010. open especially about your finances. Do not tell The Law Society UK, Australian, US, Dutch and Italian symposium provided an inter-disciplinary received from across NTU and each what they want to hear, give your opinion in your essay. In your universities, solicitors, barristers, tax forum for informed discussion and to project proposal was subject to “In my opinion, what The Law Society want is personal statement do not preach and do not assume that because increase the level of knowledge and advisers and students. you are from an under represented group you are automatically a comprehensive peer-review process. for you to show a passion for the law and an debate on this important, pressing and diverse. relevant subject. The conference comprised four sessions understanding of the hurdles you face to entering where papers were presented followed by the legal profession.“ Visit www.lawsociety.org.uk/das to find out more about the questions, and finished with a round table scholarship. Applications for 2019 entry will open at the beginning Hate crime research discussion on the future of the Forum. of next year. Visit www.partnershiplawforum.org A survey is underway to assess the I demonstrated my passion due to the length of time and for more information. commitment I put into gaining my degree. I would not allow anyone success of the introduction of misogyny or anything prevent me realising my dream. as a hate crime in . The study commissioned by Nottingham Women’s Centre and funded by the Publication updates Office of the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, is being Dr Vasileios Admidis has had an article undertaken by Dr Loretta Trickett, accepted for publication by Rhetorica together with Professor Louise Mullany – a very prestigious journal in the field from the University of Nottingham and of Rhetoric. will assess the success of this policy since its inception. Professor Elizabeth Kirk and Dr Helen Hall both published in The Times – The Brief – last month. Elizabeth was advocating an international treaty to beat plastic pollution and Helen’s piece was entitled Preventing the perversion of education.

Dr Paula Moffatt has had an article on ring-fencing accepted for publication in the Journal of Business Law: The introduction of ring-fencing in the UK: an example to be followed?

Gary Steel (left) with the previous president of the Law Society, 18 Robert Bourns and other scholarship winners 19 NOTTINGHAM LAW SCHOOL MAGAZINE LLB (Hons) Law THE NEW for Financial Services (In-Company) BLACK SOCIETY

Deladem Dzotsi This innovative pathway is for students studying on the LLB Law (full-time) and LLB Business Law programmes. Students interested  TheNewBlackNTU in pursuing a career in finance can elect to transfer to the LLB Law for Financial Services (In-Company) pathway, during their second year of study. On this pathway you will spend your third and final year in paid full-time employment in the financial services sector, while The New Black Society is not something that we came up with studying a tailor-made syllabus via distance learning. overnight. It is an idea that has been nurtured since early 2015, an idea that was almost never expressed due to doubt and insecurity, but an idea that came out fighting on the other side Working full-time and not having much The application and interview process was because after all, this is the very core of who we are. time to study seems intimidating; however, quite challenging. Five of us made it through you learn when you are at work. My studies, to the next stage and were assessed by As a team, we believed in the potential of the society and all it especially the ‘Applied Law for Financial around six members of staff who were all could be and so the society was created in September 2017. It Services’ module assisted me with learning senior managers. This was the most daunting must be noted that The New Black is not just a society, but it is the language of the financial services part of the application process. You had to so much more. It is a way of life, it’s how you perceive things, industry. I have been able to utilise my prior do individual tasks as well as in a team. The it’s how you approach everyday life; in those small decisions but legal knowledge within Allianz, applying it to only advice I would give here is to remember also the big ones. scenarios that I observe to understand them you are always being assessed, even at lunch. better and to view them at a deeper level. I have many roles within Allianz. One I have made friends for life and I have of my responsibilities is to manage grown both professionally and personally a large loss case file, worth around 40 million This year, The New Black has been led by 7 students at an indescribable amount. As a result of this pounds. With this I get to attend meetings NTU including; Akil Hunte (President), Deladem Dzotsi (Vice placement I believe that my confidence with top solicitors and barristers around the President), Pragati Bhandari (Events Coordinator), Masooda Bradley Gardiner, LLB Law (full-time) has developed exponentially. Confidence country. Another one of my roles is with the Noori (Treasurer), James Allen (Secretary), Ibrahim Banday consists of the courage to pursue prospects motor technical team to work on projects (International Officer) and James Taylor (Marketing Officer). The I chose the financial services pathway with fervour, carrying the belief that you can and initiatives to improve performance society will gain a new committee in the 18/19 academic year because it gave me an opportunity and a achieve, and the mentality to do so. It is most around the centres. However, the main as many of us will be graduating in 2018. challenge. I saw the prospect of graduating definitely one personal attribute that I won’t breadth of my work is my research project on The vision that underpins The New Black Society is behind the not only with three years of academic work, ever forget. how autonomous vehicles, more specifically reason we do everything we do. Our aim is to bring together a but also with over a year of work experience. vehicle platooning, will affect insurance On a final note, my advice to all future and the way our team handle cases. I must likeminded community of students with a progressive mentality The application process was simple and the applicants for the pathway is to do your present back to the business at the end of to succeed in the face of adversity. In order to achieve this university facilitated it well. We had great best, be yourself and never shy away from my placement with recommendations for vision, we have held numerous events this year that we have preparatory seminars prior to application a challenge or an opportunity; just go for it. Allianz. tailored to be inclusive to a range of students. Our first event delivered by Ed Mosely and Melanie King Because if you fail, then you learn and if you was an ‘integrating into university’ event which was our first from the Employability team. The interview succeed, then you are in a better position As my modules at university are financial opportunity to establish ourselves as a society and begin process took the form of an assessment than the one you started in. services based, working in the financial to build foundations with students that we would influence centre. During the day there was an services on a day-to-day basis means you positively for the year. Our second event was in partnership with individual task, a group activity and after are revising every day. My studies have the Politics and International Relations society as well as the lunch, an interview. My advice for this is to really helped me during my placement. The Congress of the Council of Europe, which held a panel and a arrive early, do the best that you can and be insurance law module you complete before debate over the Rise in Hate Crime in the UK. yourself. you start your placement gives you a great grounding for the work you will be doing in My main responsibility at Allianz is my the office. We held a Q&A session for international students with a panel research project; it forms the backbone that consisted of a pupil barrister, an Erasmus student, and The skill I have developed most during my of my dissertation piece and will provide an international student. As well as this, we held physical and placement is the ability to communicate a practical benefit to the business. My mental health workshops, CV and networking workshops, a effectively. This skill is sometimes research project surrounds recoveries, growth mindset event and in February we held our last event. underestimated but if you can communicate specifically within the context of the This was our motivational speech event in collaboration with ideas and thoughts in a way others can casualty department, which consists of the LEX society, which hosted HHJ Avik Mukherjee; alumni understand, then not only will you be able to employer, public and product liability of Nottingham Law School who shared his experiences and bring others to your way of thinking, you will insurance. I also analyse financial and system journey to become a Crown Court Judge. data to create reports that I then present come across as a much more employable back to management, making sure I give person. We have had an absolutely fantastic year. However, we know recommendations to improve the way the this is just the beginning of The New Black. We are expecting The one bit of advice I would give to other business operates. great things for next year and believe that students will benefit students applying for the financial services Jack Allen, LLB Law (full-time) personally, but also professionally from our events. We can’t pathway is to not undersell yourself. Make wait to see you at our next event! sure you highlight the things that set you When I saw the opportunity to work aside than the next student applying. These full-time at Allianz and finish the third year are going to be the things that stand out to of my degree at the same time, I was sold. employers. I have always worked and studied at the same time, so I thought that the position was I am currently applying for graduate schemes perfect for me. Also, the opportunity to work starting this year in the financial services for a global company like Allianz does not sector, including the Allianz claims graduate “The New Black is not just a society, but it is so much more. It is a way of life, it’s how you come around very often. scheme. NTU has great opportunities so perceive things, it’s how you approach everyday life; in those small decisions but try to get involved with as many things as also the big ones.“ 20 possible. 21 NOTTINGHAM LAW SCHOOL MAGAZINE Upcoming Events and get involved Nuggets of Wisdom for Smashing your BPTC Postgraduate Open Event Become a Student Wednesday 13 June Ambassador Brian Sanya Mondoh Legal Insight Event 2018 Grade: Very Competent Guidance on securing a for Nottingham Called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn, 2017 training contract Wednesday 13 June 2018 Law School The Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) requires sound advocacy skills and Liz Curran, Visiting Scholar the ability to memorise copious amounts of workshops information. My advice focuses on the three 20 June - 27 June 2018 Central Exam Board (‘CEB’) papers. Please Chaucer Building You will get: do not take my advice word for word, as • Valuable paid work experience some techniques may vary individually Nottingham Law School graduation and this is based on my own personal Wednesday 18 July 2018 • Networking opportunities experiences. University Hall • Personal rewards and recognition Undergraduate Open Days for 2019 entry • New skills to add to your CV Ethics Tuesday 10 July 2018 • Access to subsidised / free Saturday 8 September 2018 skills training If you are keen about the goings-on on the Saturday 6 October 2018 BPTC, you should conduct research and Saturday 3 November 2018 establish that the Ethics assessment is the ensure you understand the question, weigh I also made flow charts and discussed with Saturday 1 December 2018 most dynamic paper and you will need to out the correct number of CDs, RCs, GCs my tutors and other law students outside of Please visit www.ntu.ac.uk/jobshop gain a real understanding of it. and OCs etc. to apply to a SAQ without the BPTC. Please note; Civil Procedure Rules Gender Equality as a United Nations if you would like to apply or email waffling or wasting time. tie in with your Opinion Writing, Drafting, “Sustainable Development Goal”: [email protected] if you have any Resolution of Disputes Out of Court and Building an Equal Society queries. “In my opinion, it is the easiest Civil Litigation and Criminal Litigation Civil Advocacy. Criminal Procedure Rules after Conflict to pass if you get to grips with (especially on difficult topics like ‘Bad Wednesday 19 September 2018 the syllabus but at the same These two assessments can easily be termed Character evidence and Hearsay evidence’) as the most feared on the BPTC. Firstly, time the easiest to fail if you tie in with your Conference and Criminal Centre for Legal because of the 50 examinable topics on Education Conference underestimate it.“ Advocacy. Be on the lookout for BPTC the syllabus split between the two i.e. 22 in syllabus updates. In my year, we had a June 2019 Civil Litigation and 28 in Criminal Litigation. December 2016 and February 2017 update Secondly, the volume of pinpointed reading My approach to the Ethics paper was based and the Civil Appeal’s regime was updated in and long inundating text of the practitioner more on exam technique than knowledge. around October 2016. texts. Thirdly, the nightmare of answering Nevertheless, you will need to know the Bar 75 ‘Single Best Answer’ questions in each Standards Board (‘BSB’) handbook, the Code Time Management assessment. As a precaution, previous for Crown Prosecutors and the Farquharson students or those who pass the assessments The BPTC is pressure filled and challenging. guidelines backwards. You will be required to The NLS Blog provides the opportunity to share, debate and explore the on first sitting will boast about how they I would say to every BPTC student, get the recite Core Duties (‘CDs’) verbatim, Conduct latest legal issues and is a great way to develop important skills. It will made it without using the practitioner texts. ‘Pomodoro’ or use a smartphone timer. I got Rules (‘RCs’), Guidance to Core Duties (‘GCs’) enhance your written communication skills and give you the confidence In my experience, the BSB set questions this advice from a Barrister and law tutor that and Outcomes (‘OCs’) all in the space of two to express your views and ideas. were based on White Book and Blackstone’s I follow on Twitter and it was life changing. hours. The examiner will also be marking you commentary. The assessments are designed The Pomodoro timer keeps you focused on your grammar and legible handwriting, as Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/nlsblog to read the latest posts and contact to test aspiring practitioners and as a result, by completely shutting out distractions and the new syllabus consists of six Short Answer [email protected] if you would like to contribute. it is an obvious fact that the syllabus and / or breaking study time into short intervals of 25 Questions (SAQs). indicative reading will be based on the two. minutes with five-minute breaks and a long You may find it helpful to use memory aids Detailed supplements can be Stuart Sime’s ‘A 25 minute break after one hour of study. It and learning techniques in preparation for Practical Approach to Civil Procedure’ and enables you to do more and maximise your the assessment. I had the ten CDs set as ’s Criminal Litigation Manual. time. wallpapers on my phone and iPad. I also I stuck by these books for the majority of the Conclusion created storyboards in my head during year. my commute to and from university. For It is hardly necessary to emphasise the Would you like to example, each bus stop on my route had a “For Civil and Criminal importance of teamwork and camaraderie Student profiles CD and relevant RCs, GCs and OCs attached Litigation, I studied in on the BPTC. Your previous qualification, contribute to the next to it. As a result, I could picture a bus stop We are always on the lookout for different rooms every day, I be it LLM, LLB or GDL and your previous new student profiles to showcase and a floodgate of information would university has little bearing on your BPTC edition of All Things Law? stream out. Two weeks before the exam I colour coded my notes and your experiences to our new and performance. Finally, it may be easier said prospective students. was doing past papers and questions from recorded voice notes.“ than done but always be positive and look All Things Law magazine highlights other providers under strict time conditions. after your health. the excellence of our students and You cannot ‘question spot’ the Ethics paper. Email [email protected] staff, and content for future editions is It needs precision and sound judgment to if you would like to have your welcomed from all. profile online. Please email [email protected] if you would like to submit an article for 22 the next edition. 23 NOTTINGHAM LAW SCHOOL MAGAZINE Nottingham Law School Nottingham Trent University 50 Shakespeare Street Nottingham NG1 4FQ Tel: +44 (0)115 848 4460 Email: [email protected]

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