Leeds Law School bolsters academic team

Dr Jill Dickinson, Reader of Law

Former solicitor Jill worked for national and international law firms for over 10 years, specialising in advising clients on their commercial property portfolios, before moving into academia.

Alongside her undergraduate teaching at Leeds Law School, Jill also enjoys her roles as supervisor and examiner for postgraduate research projects, and her approach to research has been recognised through the Emerald Literati Awards for Excellence, 2020.

Jill said of her appointment: “I’m delighted to have joined Leeds Law School and at such a pivotal time, given the move to the new building at Broadcasting Place, and in the run up to the School’s centenary year. There’s lots happening across the School already in terms of research, teaching, and employability and it’s great to have this opportunity to work with colleagues and students to share and develop ideas for further collaboration. Throughout my career as both a lawyer and academic, I’ve really enjoyed supporting colleagues and students with their professional development, and I’m particularly looking forward to this element of my role as a Reader.”

Jill’s research around the experiences of former/current practitioners who teach in academia (or ‘pracademics’ – academics with professional practice experience, like Jill) has recently led to her publication of a co-edited multidisciplinary book with Teri-Lisa Griffiths, titled ‘Professional Development for Practitioners in Academia: Pracademia’. The book draws together contributions from 29 authors who specialise in a range of different fields across the higher education sector.

Welcome, Jill!

Dr Suzzie Oyakhire, Senior Lecturer in Law

Suzzie joined us earlier this year, following a Senior Lecturer role at the University of Benin, Nigeria. 

Suzzie has published in the areas of criminal law and justice and international economic (trade law) and has taught public international law, human rights law, and international trade law. She has recently published a book titled ‘Witness Protection and Criminal Justice in Africa: Nigeria in International Perspective'. Suzzie will continue to develop research in this area and criminal law and justice related issues.

She is currently the Secretary of the African International Economic Law Network (AfIELN) and a member of the Committee on Teaching International Law of the International Law Association (Nigerian branch).

Suzzie said of her new role: “I enjoy mentoring students from diverse backgrounds. I also contribute to the inclusivity and diversity vision of the University and bring my own unique experience as an African legal scholar to the teaching and research experience of students.”

Delighted to have you on the team, Suzzie.

Naomi Cousins, Lecturer

Naomi joined the Law School in September as a Lecturer, having completed her PhD at the University of Manchester and teaching as an Associate Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Naomi’s current research examines the role of the internet as an alternative tool for parents engaged in disputes over child arrangements to build legal knowledge and emotional strength. Her areas of research include legal aid, access to justice and the role of the legal professional. 

Naomi said of her appointment to Leeds Beckett: “There are excellent research centres within a collaborative and diverse academic community here at Leeds Law School, as well as an excellent Law Clinic and collaboration with Support Through Court. Not only does this provide excellent opportunities for students to gain insight into the legal profession and develop key skills for the workplace, they also provide a critical resource for the wider community in Leeds. Leeds Beckett is uniquely placed to support and uplift its surrounding community.

“I’ve found my law students here to be critically engaged, and eager to challenge themselves academically.”

Naomi currently teaches Land Law, Public Law and Family Law. 

For profiles of the full academic team at Leeds Law School, visit the staff page on our website.