Category Archives: Law Topic

Proud of Our Partnerships: Thompsons Solicitors

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Rachel Eardley, LLB Law alumni and current Legal Practice Course student, has recently started a job at Thompsons Solicitors – a firm we have developed a partnership with since 2015. She kindly agreed to discuss her experiences studying at Staffordshire University, her new role and studying the LPC alongside work. 

Rachel Eardley, LLB

What undergraduate course did you study at Staffordshire University? 

I studied the LLB at Staffordshire University and gained a 2:1.

What is your new role and what does it mean to you?

My new role is a Pre-Litigation Executive and it means the world to me to have obtained a legal position in such a competitive market.

How did you hear about and obtain the position?

I heard about the position by attending the Staffordshire University Law Fair. I walked around the various firms, asked questions and tried to engage with the people from the firms the best I could. I visited the Thompsons’ stand and I recognised a lady I studied at undergraduate level with; she advised me about the role at Thompsons’ and suggested that I apply for the role. I went on to apply for the role and was offered an interview and subsequently the role.

 

How has your first week/few weeks been; can you explain your roles and responsibilities?

I think the first few weeks of any new job role are overwhelming as you are getting to grips with the systems and the role itself. In particular, this role has a somewhat heavy caseload and within my role I have my own caseload and I gather information and evidence for my clients that have suffered personal injury within the work place. It is my job to ensure that all evidence is gathered efficiently and correctly, that the conduct that is provided to the clients is in line with the codes of conduct – set out by the Solicitors Regulation Authority – and to keep everything in line with the pre-action protocols.

How do you feel your course and the staff at Staffordshire University helped you prepare for the role?

I feel that the staff at Staffordshire University have been immensely helpful in the preparation of gaining this role. Whilst studying the LPC, I have learnt so much about the little things that do not seem so little when in practice: such as letter writing and communicating with clients in a professional but friendly manner, as well as client interviewing techniques.

You are currently studying the LPC, Part Time. How are you finding studying the LPC alongside working?

I have had to adapt to managing my time in a much more efficient way – as well as staying extra organised – so I do not let my studies and revision get too overwhelming and fall behind. It can be quite difficult to manage both, but it is also very rewarding and will be worth it.

Thompsons Solicitors said:

“We have partnered with Staffordshire University since 2015, to help us attract talent to our National Litigation Unit, Stoke. The University has provided invaluable assistance in helping us target Law graduates for various roles, which offer an excellent opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in Personal Injury law.

“As a result of our partnership working, a number of high calibre candidates have expressed an interest in various vacancies. Those selected for interview have been well prepared and demonstrated an excellent knowledge and understanding of both the work undertaken by the firm and the firm itself.

“We are delighted that we have been able to successfully fill a number of these vacancies with candidates from the university and are confident with the standard of applicants we receive from Staffordshire University. This is a win-win situation as the university graduates find employment quickly and our vacancies are filled without delay. We are able to offer these graduates the opportunity to work within a vibrant and diverse working environment, within a new office, where they receive excellent training from some of the industry’s leading Personal Injury Lawyers.”

Law Lecturer Contributes to Radio 5 Live Discussion

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On 14th of December, Aidan Flynn, Law Lecturer at Staffordshire University, contributed to a discussion on BBC Radio 5 live Breakfast.

He talked briefly, from a Constitutional Law perspective, about a recent vote that took place in the House of Commons. This vote was on an amendment (Mr Dominic Grieve’s amendment) to the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill. A majority voted in favour of the proposition ‘that the Amendment be made’ – voting figures were 309 to 305.

Here is a link to this discussion:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09hqgw5
The relevant bit of the discussion is around twenty four minutes into the programme.

Legal Practice PgDip: A Graduate Success Story

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We’re very proud of our alumni here at Staffordshire University, and we always like to keep up with them as they progress in their careers.

Sometimes, our former students come all the way from the Caribbean to share those stories. Victrina Cuffie completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice with us via blended learning. She is now working as an attorney at law in her native Trinidad and Tobago.

Paul Allen, Lecturer in Law (Course Leader for the Legal Practice Course) and Victrina Cuffie

What attracted you to Staffordshire University?

“When I was registering to do the Legal Practice course at Staffordshire University, there was – and there still is – no other university that offers the blended programme,” Victrina told us.

The blended learning option meant she was able to balance commitments at home in Trinidad through the distance learning element of the course, while still enjoying face-to-face interaction with staff and other students on our campus in Stoke-on-Trent.

How has the course helped you in your career?

Completing the Law LLB – the Bachelor of Law degree – provided Victrina with a strong grounding in the theoretical aspects of the subject, she says. But it was the Legal Practice course that put things into a practical perspective for her.

“You fill out forms, role play, act like you’re in court, dress the part and act the part,” Victrina explains. “Being a practising attorney at law, it has helped me a lot. It allowed me to apply my knowledge so that I can get ahead and it has contributed largely to my success at the moment.”

What did you enjoy most?

Coming from a family with a business background, Victrina’s favourite parts of the course were the business law and practice modules and anything else that was business related. Personally, I liked it because it was something that I could apply and I also loved Corporate Law. I enjoyed that the most because it applied to my life.

Since graduating in 2016, Victrina has become a great ambassador for the School of Law, Policing and Forensics and for Staffordshire University. Some friends and family members who saw her experience and the positive impact it had are currently enrolled on courses with us, while others have already graduated!

“Doing my postgraduate programme, the LPC, makes me proud to be a Staffordshire student because it’s an experience that I hold near and dear to my heart.”

Proud to be Staffs: Proud of Our Partnerships

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Aidan Flynn, Lecturer in Law, recently visited Heart of Worcestershire College: a UK partnership institution with Staffordshire University.

Aidan Flynn (right), with some of the law lecturers in the team at Worcester Law School

Aidan Flynn is pictured here with some of the law lecturers in the team at Worcester Law School, which is part of Heart of Worcestershire College.

The college is a UK partner institution of Staffordshire University; this partnership was formed over twenty years ago. Aidan is the university’s Link Tutor for Worcester Law School.

This recent visit facilitated conversations with both staff members and a substantial number of the students. These law students are studying on Staffordshire University programmes at Worcester Law School.

As well as being a partner of Staffordshire University, Heart of Worcestershire College is also a major, and highly regarded, UK centre of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.

Teaching E.U. Law After Brexit (Conference)

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Aidan Flynn, Law Lecturer at Staffordshire University, recently attended a conference at London South Bank University, titled ‘Teaching E.U. Law after Brexit and After Changes to Legal Training.’

London South Bank University Law Division advertised the conference as focusing “on the impact on the teaching of EU law as a result of Brexit and changes to professional training for Solicitors and the Bar”.

Speakers included David Hodson, Partner at iFLG (international Family Law Group LLP), and Simon James, Partner at Clifford Chance.

Aidan Flynn (centre) with David Hodson (left) and Simon Jones (right)

 

Peacekeeper or Perpetrator: Safeguarding Children from Sexual Abuse

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Elizabeth Faulkner, lecturer in Law, and Charlotte Folkes, PhD student within the School of Law, Policing and Forensics, attended an event called ‘Peacekeeper or Perpetrator: Safeguarding Children from Sexual Abuse’ in London, early November.

Charlotte Folkes writes that “this eye-opening event was part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science and showcased research conducted by Professor Rosa Freedman on how best to safeguard children from sexual abuse committed by UN peacekeepers. The panellists had a broad range of expertise in this field including academic research, policy and military, which gave the discussion depth and insight. It highlighted the challenges that are faced when looking at sexual offences in conflict-zone, especially when they are committed by someone acting in an official capacity.
The event concluded with a photograph exhibition of the field research being conducted in Liberia and Ghana by Professor Rosa Freedman, and gave us the opportunity to network with the presenters and other guests. It was a truly enjoyable event which presented the issue of sexual offending from a different perspective and has given me some further considerations for my own research.”

Elizabeth Faulkner and Charlotte Folkes

Elizabeth Faulkner stated that “the key issues that arose from the event were issues such as defining accountability, the development of reliable gender sensitive pathways and how to effectively amplify the voices of victims. Arguably, there was one comment made that afforded a hint of cultural imperialism, through the assertion that some countries that offer peacekeepers do not approach human rights in the same way that we do, and therefore don’t prosecute. I understand the “we” to refer to the UK and frequently find perceptions like these problematic in light of my own research into the imperialistic and racial undertones of the contemporary anti-slavery movement.

“The event was interesting from the start and provided a unique opportunity for an interdisciplinary discussion to arise between Charlotte and I about sexual violence generally. The personal highlight of the event was meeting the chair of the event, Emeritus Professor Christine Chinkin, London School of Economics (LSE), whose work has had a significant impact upon development from an undergraduate student with an interest in feminism and international law to the academic I am today. Events like this provide not only interesting content but the fantastic opportunity to network with a diverse and dynamic group. Thank you to all who contributed to the organisation of such a wonderful event and to the FCO for hosting.”

The event was organsied by Prof. Rose Freedman of the University of Reading and hosted by the Foreign and Commonwealth Oiffce in London.

 

Senior Law Lecturer Receives Teaching Excellence Fellowship

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Louis Martin, Senior Lecturer in the Law Department (in School of Law, Policing and Forensics), received the Staffordshire University Teaching Excellence Fellowship at the annual ‘Celebrating Staff Success’ event held on the 4th of October at King’s Hall, Stoke Town Hall.

Louis Martin (centre) with Head of Law at Staffordshire University, Ruby Hammer, and colleagues: Sallyann Mellor, Dave Tapp, Aidan Flynn and Rhonda Hammond-Sharlot

Louis teaches on courses including the LLB (Hons) Law

He is Course Leader for the BA(Hons) Criminology with Offender Management.

What a Welcom(ing) Week it was to Start the Academic Year

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Follow us on Twitter: #proudtobestaffs

The academic year has gotten off to a fantastic, albeit busy, start. Welcome Week saw the arrival of new and returning students and LPF staff were delighted to begin teaching.

LPF first year students were introduced to our staff

 

For our first year students, the week commenced with enrolment and welcome talks from the Vice Chancellor, Liz Barnes, individual subject talks, safety talks from Staffordshire Univeristy Police, the societies and clubs fair and exciting activities – allowing students and staff to get to know one another.

 

 

Students had the opportunity to chat to staff over a warm drink and biscuits and receive one of the departmental hoodies.

Students enjoyed a few activities to ease them into the academic year…

Students linking pipe cleaners together to represent increasing their social capital and networking

Criminal Justice and Forensic Science quiz winners: 1st Rebecca Wheeler & Hannah Blackburn. 3rd place Kathryn Davis.

… and the week ended with a mock court trial at Hanley Court.

The jury taking notes

Teaching is now well underway and our students are working hard and are eager to learn. Returning students are already getting involved with various assements, projects, and mentoring.

Course mentors for Level Four Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Students

Preparing the Crime Scene House for a practical

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Law Society

The Forensic Dive Club

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is to a wonderful academic year: 2017-2018! #proudtobestaffs

 

 

Law Graduates Join Collaborative Research Project at HMP Stafford

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In July 2017, two former students from the Law Department were invited to conduct research for the Governor at HMP Stafford. Tawney Bennett and Amber Mapledoram both graduated with a first class law degree in July. The two aspiring criminologists were invited to carry out research about complaints made by prisoners at HMP Stafford.

 

Tawney and Amber went through the prison officer induction process and were issued with their own set of keys.

Following the completion of our final year exams, Amber and I were selected to take part in a collaborative research and analysis project with HMP Stafford. We were asked by the governor to provide an independent analysis of the current prisoner complaints system and offer recommendations on how it can be improved. On completion, the report will be published for both staff and prisoners to have access to our findings. Further to this, we are currently undertaking a second research project on behalf of the deputy prison governor, which remains confidential at this time.

 

 

Amber Mapledoram

After undergoing a vigorous vetting check, we obtained the iconic prison guard accessories, the belt and chain used to draw a set of keys. This gave us unrestricted access to the prison estate to begin our research.

We began by familiarising ourselves with the facilities, touring the wings and speaking to the prison staff. Following this we moved onto the data collation and analysis, coding and analysing in excess of 1700 prisoner complaints. We also compiled a questionnaire for residents of the prison to complete, in order to provide us with a general overview of how the prisoners felt about the complaints process. Our next step in our research is to conduct intensive interviews with a small sample of inmates, in order to explore their perspectives in greater depth.

Tawney Bennett

Amber and I have had the privilege of working closely with both the governor and deputy governor of HMP Stafford, accessing confidential information that is inaccessible to the general public. An incredibly eye-opening experience for any lay person, the opportunity has heightened our interest in the field of prisons and punishment and further enhanced our researching skills ready for progression onto further post-graduate study. We have been given an unprecedented insight into the prison estate and we hope to continue our partnership with HMP Stafford on many more research projects in the near future.

Tawney Bennett, LLB

Proud To Be Staffs: Strong Partnership with Local Solicitors

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The placement-partnership scheme, which started this year, offers valuable work experience in a successful, local Solicitors.

Leslee Griffiths, Practice Manager at “Beeston Shenton Solicitors in Newcastle” said they “are delighted to be working in partnership with Staffordshire University offering regular weekly work experience placements to the University’s Law students. The placement scheme began this year and has been a great success with students attending the Beeston Shenton head office in Newcastle three days per week and learning all about the daily workings of a busy law firm. On the back of this successful programme, Staffordshire University is currently arranging the new placements which will begin with Beeston Shenton from September 2017.”

“If you are interested in a work experience placement please contact Gary McNally at the University or Leslee Griffiths, Practice Manager at Beeston Shenton Solicitors via email to leslee.griffiths@beestonshenton.co.uk.”