The event welcomed guest speakers Mark Evans, President of the Law Society of England and Wales, alongside Sophie Hudson (Weightmans), Dan Allison (Ison Harrison), and Ernie Motiejunas (Ministry of Justice), with thanks to the Law Society's Steven Drew, who brought the event together. Through a series of talks and discussions, the panel shared insights into their own career journeys and offered practical advice to help students understand the many pathways into law. New to the role as of October 2025, Mark Evans is the 181st President of the Law Society of England and Wales, with over 28 years of experience in law and four years as a lecturer. He says: "There are still significant challenges for prospective solicitors, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. "I want to ensure young people are aware of the routes they can take to qualify and are confident that their legal education and training prepare them well for their careers. "It was wonderful to spend an afternoon with aspiring solicitors, junior lawyers and member of the Leeds legal community." Speaking about the President, Dean of Leeds Law School, Deveral Capps, says: "I am absolutely delighted that the President of the Law Society of England and Wales made the journey to Leeds to talk about something as important as social mobility. It was a joy to host him." About the event, Dr Rachel Dunn, Interim Head of Subject (Postgraduate) at Leeds Law School, says: "Events like this give our students invaluable exposure to the profession, helping them to connect their studies with real-world practice and to see that there are many routes into law." Third-year Leeds Law student, Neve Bartleson, who attended says: "I have taken away so much from this. Previously, I had no idea on how to start the process for the SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination), but after this talk I feel a lot more secure in going for training contracts and going through the paralegal route to kick-off my career. This is all brand-new to me and it's so important for me to see representation - it has been very inspiring. "It's great to have these talks alongside the course, as it reassures your choice and you can take inspiration from people you aspire to be like." Leeds Law School has a rich heritage and is a key educator of legal professionals in the Leeds and West Yorkshire region. It works extensively with law firms and other businesses to support students with work placements and encourages employers to hire talented graduates that will energise their team and support the local community.
Recent reports indicate that we spend on average around 80 to 90,000 hours at work. Professor Dickinson's lecture drew on her research into professional identity and its impact on career development, and she shared her own advice on how to make sure we enjoy such a large proportion of our lives. Taking place on Wednesday 12 November, the lecture explored the importance of being yourself and finding your people within the workplace, with a holistic look at professional identity and career transitions. A former lawyer turned academic, Professor Dickinson uses creative methods in her work - from participatory sketches to the power of objects to tell stories - to explore how individuals experience and navigate professional change. Jill's lecture also reflected on stories from her own career journey, offering insight, encouragement, and practical advice for those managing transitions in their own working lives in the modern 'squiggly' career paths. Professor Dickinson said: "It is an honour to have delivered my inaugural lecture as Professor at Leeds Beckett University. Thank you to everyone who came along. "Work is a huge part of our lives and our identities, so it is important that we can find a place where we can be ourselves and enjoy - rather than endure - our careers. I am fascinated by that process of transition and discovery, and hope to help others with it, too." The lecture forms part of Leeds Beckett University's inaugural lecture series, which celebrates new professors and showcases the real-world impact of their research. Find out more and book onto future Inaugural lectures.
Frances Crook OBE, who was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws in 2018, was recognised for her public campaigning as the Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, a leading penal reform charity. She led the Howard League for Penal Reform from 1986 to 2021 and made outstanding use of criminological research to reduce the imprisonment of young offenders in favour of more humane rehabilitation programmes. Her research work and campaigning led to a reduction of 85% in the number of children under 18 in prison and the annual number of arrests of children dropped by 80%. At a ceremony in Stockholm last night, Frances was presented with her award by HM Queen Silvia. Anne Ramberg, chair of The Stockholm Prize in Criminology Foundation, said: This year, like every year over the past twenty years, the laureates have demonstrated the benefit of criminology to humankind. It is therefore logical that their focus the efficiency of prison sentences is also of relevance in the public debate. This demonstrates the important knowledge base that is gathered when we once again welcome the worlds leading criminologists to Stockholm. The prize is awarded for outstanding achievements in criminological research or for the application of research results by practitioners for the reduction of crime and the advancement of human rights. Find out more about the Stockholm Prize here.
The Law Commission, a government body that reviews and recommends legal reforms is currently examining contempt of court laws. Dr John McGarry, a senior lecturer in law at Leeds Law School, Leeds Beckett University, has been cited extensively in this review following his research into political and constitutional concerns around the existing contempt of court laws. In Dr McGarry's research article, he explores the potential conflict of interest that arises when the Attorney General, themselves a political figure, holds the power to decide whether to prosecute contempt cases involving other politicians. Referenced 23 times in the Law Commission consultation paper, Dr McGarry's research is now shaping the discussion on potential changes to the law, particularly regarding the role of the Attorney General. Contempt of court laws are designed to protect the integrity of the legal process. Disrupting court proceedings, disregarding a court order, or publishing material (including social media posts) that could prejudice a trial can all lead to contempt charges. The offence is serious, carrying penalties of up to two years in prison or unlimited fines. Contempt through publication has more recently come under the spotlight, with a number of high-profile figures and politicians making public comments that risk influencing legal cases. McGarry's research cites recent instances where politicians including Suella Braverman, Jeremy Hunt, and David Cameron came close to committing contempt by publishing tweets or comments about active cases. Currently, only the attorney general - a government minister appointed by the Prime Minister - holds the power to initiate legal proceedings for contempt of court, including against other politicians. This, McGarry argues, is inherently problematic and poses a serious conflict of interest. Dr John McGarry, senior lecturer in law at Leeds Law School, Leeds Beckett University, said: "The law of contempt is very important because it maintains the authority, dignity and fairness of the legal justice system. But the law of contempt has developed in a piecemeal fashion and is now needlessly complicated and messy. The Law Commission are consulting on how contempt may be simplified and updated for the current age. I'm incredibly pleased that my work has influenced some of the commission's thinking on this and look forward to further influencing the reform of the law in this area." Dr McGarry's work has resonated strongly in the Law Commission's consultation on contempt, influencing not only discussion but also the questions posed in the consultation. If the attorney general's role in prosecuting contempt is reformed, in part influenced by this research, it would mark a major shift in ensuring the impartiality and credibility of the legal process.
Rachel Armitage brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to advancing research with real-world applications, further strengthening Leeds Law School as a leading educator of legal professionals in Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire region. With a research career spanning over three decades, Rachel has made significant contributions to crime prevention and public safety. She has worked extensively on projects designed to reduce crime through environmental design which have influenced local, national and international planning policies. As an invited member of the Home Office National Burglary Taskforce and National Vehicle Crime Working Group, Rachel has also published three books in this subject area - Crime Prevention through Housing Design (2013), Retail Crime (2018), and Re-building Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (2019). Her current research focuses on critical issues such as the impact of domestic violence on children and families, child protection, and online child sexual abuse (CSA). She is a founding member of the Indirect Victims of Indecent Images of Children Strategic Group, and her research has influenced changes in policy and practice, including the Centre for Expertise in Child Sexual Abuse guidance for social workers, the Lucy Faithful Foundation's Faithful Paper and pushing for changes in police policy at warrants and through the criminal justice system. Professor Deveral Capps, Dean of Leeds Law School, said: "We are delighted to welcome Professor Rachel Armitage to Leeds Law School. Her extensive research expertise and leadership will be instrumental in advancing our strategic goals and strengthening our research profile. We are confident that her vision will help deepen our engagement with key stakeholders within the region and beyond with her research that brings about real change." Professor Rachel Armitage, said: "I am delighted to be joining Leeds Beckett Law School as a Professor of Law and Social Justice and Director of Research. As someone whose research is focused on the impact of the criminal justice system on victim/survivors as well as the families of those suspected/convicted of sexual violence, I am excited to join such a talented team, to collaborate on existing research and to develop new and innovative research opportunities." Rachel's dedication to advocacy is further demonstrated through her roles as Deputy Chair of Trustees for the Marie Collins Foundation and founder of the Leeds-based charity Talking Forward, supporting families affected by online CSA. As Director of Research, Rachel will support initiatives that reflect the school's dedication to real-world solutions and its commitment to producing graduates who are equipped for the legal profession in Leeds and the wider region. Leeds Law School works extensively with law firms and other businesses to support students with work placements and employers to hire talented graduates who will energise their team and support the local community. Professor Rachel Armitage is currently a Professor in Criminology at the University of Huddersfield and will join Leeds Beckett University's Leeds Law School in January 2025.
QS Stars is a rating system which evaluates universities across a wide range of categories, covering everything from graduate employability to sports facilities and community engagement. As well as being rated 5-stars and 'excellent' overall, 5-star ratings were also achieved for seven out of the nine assessed categories which reflect a great student experience for UK and international students. These include the university facilities, subject ranking, employability, good governance, environmental impact, global engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. LBU's 5-star rating includes a standout performance in the diversity, equity, and inclusion category, excelling in metrics related to disability support services, initiatives for underrepresented groups, gender balance among students and staff, and the presence of a strategic framework promoting EDI. LBU's commitment to environmental sustainability was also recognised with a perfect score for its climate action plan. Professor Peter Slee, Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, said:"The 5 star rating from QS is welcome recognition of all the hard work and dedication across the university which creates an excellent experience for our students. "Our environmental impact and inclusive approach are core to our values, so it is hugely rewarding to see such positive results reflected in the QS ranking." Known for its thorough and independent analysis, the QS rankings allow students to get a wider picture of an institution's qualities and find universities that match their interests, priorities, and goals. The rating follows Leeds Beckett ranking among the top 30 universities in England in the independent annual National Student Survey earlier this year.
The high-level Security Council debate on Cybersecurity, which took place at the United Nations headquarters in New York, was a signature event of the Republic of Korea's June presidency and was chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cho Tae-yul. Professor Nnenna Ifeanyi-Ajufo's invitation to brief the UN Security Council highlights her expertise in the global discourse on cybersecurity. She addressed the Security Council alongside the UN Secretary-General Antnio Guterres and Stphane Duguin, CEO of the CyberPeace Institute. The United Nations Security Council is increasingly focused on addressing the critical role of cybersecurity in maintaining international peace and security. The recent debate aimed to foster a unified approach among member states to enhance the Security Council's effectiveness in addressing cyber threats. During the debate, council members discussed national cybersecurity priorities, emphasising the national security implications of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. Discussions also covered the impact of digital technology misuse on human rights and democratic processes. Nnenna Ifeanyi-Ajufo, Professor in Law and Technology at Leeds Beckett University, said: "It is important for the Security Council to develop mechanisms for understanding the cyber threat landscape across regions. This will allow for making informed decisions on regulating security and stability. "Existing cooperation between the UN and regional organisations in maintaining international peace and security should now include an agenda on cybersecurity." Nnenna's teaching and research interests focus primarily on the governance of digital technologies, cybersecurity, digital rights, and the rule of law in cyberspace. She is a Technology and Human Rights Fellow at the Carr Centre for Human Rights Policy at Harvard University and Chair of the Cybercrime Working Group of the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE). She has partnered with various organisations to deliver research projects aimed at shaping academic and policy discourses on the governance of digital technologies. Leeds Law School is a key educator of legal professionals in the Leeds and West Yorkshire region and works extensively with law firms and other businesses to support students with work placements and employers to hire talented graduates who will energise their team and support the local community.
Guests including Lord Mayor of Leeds, Abigail Marshall Katung, President of the Law Society for England and Wales, Nick Emmerson, Jason Pitter KC, Leader of the North Eastern Circuit, and Leeds Beckett Vice Chancellor, Professor Peter Slee, joined the celebrations. The new home for Leeds Law School provides state-of-the-art facilities that will allow students to work alongside legal academics and learn in an environment that will promote deep learning and develop critical analysis. The building includes a Havard lecture theatre, immersive simulation suite, a courtroom with a jury deliberation room, a reading room and social learning areas. These spaces will support students to expand their knowledge of the legal profession and provide an ideal platform to launch their career. The national charity Support Through Court have a dedicated space within the new premises to support members of public to represent themselves in court. Deveral Capps, Dean of Leeds Law School at Leeds Beckett, said: "The launch of our new school marks the beginning of a new chapter in legal education, learning, growth and community here at Leeds Law School. "This building is for our students, where they will not only learn the laws that govern our society but the values that underpin them. They will engage with ideas and cultivate the skills that will enable them to become thoughtful, compassionate advocates of justice. They are the future of our legal systems, and it is our hope within these walls that they find the inspiration to reach their highest potential." Amelia Bodenham, second year LLB Law student at Leeds Law School, said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed the past two years and everything that Leeds Law school has to offer. What makes Leeds Law School standout is that every member of staff wants the best for you. "I have been involved with Support Through Court, a charity that helps people access justice working with real life clients. This experience, along with the invaluable skills I have learned, have helped me secure an internship and a position as a paralegal. "I didn't think I would have such valuable experience at this point in my legal journey and I wouldn't be in this position if it weren't for the opportunities at Leeds Law School. I know even after I graduate, I will always be a proud part of the university." Nick Emmerson, President of the Law Society for England and Wales, said: "Thank you to the university for investing in the city and in the Law. The sector is hugely important in Leeds and fundamental to society. "I always tell people that Leeds is a great city with high quality jobs here in the legal profession. The Government legal department are proud of the growth in the city, and the great talent that is fostered in Leeds." The new Law School development reflects the growing partnerships of the university within the region and further strengthens Leeds' position as the legal capital of the North. Leeds Beckett University places huge importance on its role as an Anchor institution in Leeds and the wider region, maximising the benefit its presence delivers to local communities. Leeds Law School is a key educator of legal professionals in the Leeds and West Yorkshire region and works extensively with law firms and other businesses to support students with work placements and employers to hire talented graduates that will energise their team and support the local community.
Reflecting the growth of LBU's global alumni community, recruitment from India has increased from 100 students in 2004 when the university's South Asia office opened in Delhi, to a student intake of 2000 in the 2023/24 academic year. Joe Rossiter, Director of International Recruitment and Partnerships at Leeds Beckett University, said: "In 2004 it was unusual for UK universities to have an office in India. The inauguration of the South Asia office marked our commitment to the country, with a vision to establish a long-term, sustainable and deeply rooted commitment. Over the last 20 years and today, this can be seen through our support for students, partners and alumni; and through the network of academic and experiential learning partners we have cultivated across the country, from Delhi to Gujarat, Maharashtra to Tamil Nadu, and Kerala." The benefits of these partnerships go beyond recruitment, with enduring connections forged in the 20-year period. These include staff development, conference and course development; volunteering experiences for UK students at major Indian sporting events including the 2010 Commonwealth Games and Mumbai Marathon; and work experience with Indian NGOs. The visit to India has developed the relationship further, with three new partnership agreements established. These collaborations with Bennett University, part of the Times of India group, in Uttar Pradesh; and Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu will include joint academic programmes and research initiatives; opportunities for staff development and exchanges; and the chance for students to study overseas for a semester. A partnership agreement with GLS, Ahmedabad will lead to the development of pathway programmes for undergraduate courses in international business management and computer science. GLS students will study the first year of their LBU degree at the GLS campus in Ahmedabad, and come to Leeds for the second and third years study. Leeds Beckett has extended its South Asia recruitment and support network into Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh through its Delhi office. The successful LBU offshore programme in Nepal started in 2015, giving Nepalese students the opportunity to study LBU degrees in business, computing and hospitality in their home country, which now has a significant alumni community. Celebrating the Indian LBU alumni community also formed part of the recent visit, with a networking event hosted by the British Council in Delhi and in partnership with the UK government Global Talent Network. This UK Department for Business and Trade programme is an international community of professionals working in key science and technology sectors with aspirations to build international careers in the UK.
The new partnership will see students and solicitors work together to provide free legal advice to those who have suffered a personal injury. It will build on the service already provided by the Law Clinic at Leeds Law School, which has been advising members of the public for over 10 years on matters of family law, employment law and civil litigation. Hodge Jones Allen will work with law student volunteers to deal with personal injury enquiries via zoom calls to provide a fast response. Dr Rachel Dunn, Course Director for Pro Bono and Employability, said: "The new partnership between Leeds Law School and Hodge Jones Allen demonstrates our commitment to social justice and ensuring that those who need legal advice the most can access it. "It will also provide our students with the vital skills needed for life after university. It is an amazing opportunity for them to work closely with such experienced solicitors from a leading personal injury firm." Daniel Denton, Partner at Hodge Jones Allen, said: "We're delighted to be working with Leeds Law School and their students who will help support the public with personal injury enquiries. It's an opportunity for callers to speak directly to a highly experienced personal injury solicitor." Leeds Law School is a key educator of legal professionals in the Leeds and West Yorkshire region and works extensively with law firms and other businesses to support students with work placements and employers to hire talented graduates that will energise their team and support the local community. If you have suffered a personal injury and would like free legal advice from this service, or have any questions, please contact the Law Clinic at Leeds Law School by calling 0113 812 9190 or emailing lawclinic@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Now, as she graduates from the LLB course at Leeds Beckett University twenty years later, she has a simple message: Its never too late to follow your dreams. Debbie, who balanced her studies with life as a working single mother, is taking the next step towards becoming a barrister a lifelong goal that began with a viewing of A Time To Kill. After watching the film, I remember thinking then I want to be a lawyer, but I didn't really know what that truly meant, other than what I'd seen on the TV. She says. Debbie quickly decided to aim for a career in law, but due to personal circumstances at the time did not complete A Levels and instead went into full time employment. Debbie worked in a variety of front lines roles at Leeds City Council before finding herself working in policy at the start of 2018. After a divorce five years ago, she decided the time was right to give her dream another shot. She continues: It was a really difficult time of my life and obviously there were big changes. You suddenly find yourself on a completely different path and I just thought I'm at least going to try. I think at the time I wanted to see if I was capable and if I could actually do it. As she weighed up where to study, Leeds Becketts Leeds Law School quickly became the standout choice. Ive got two children, a house and a life already in Leeds, and I knew I wanted to do a degree in law. I spoke to a couple of people, both friends and family, who really rated their own experience at Leeds Beckett. She adds. After starting at the university, Debbie threw herself into making the most of her degree, taking advantage of Leedss standing as a major legal hub to gain all-important experience of the law sector and working directly on real-life cases as part of the schools Leeds Law Clinic. Debbie continues: As I started the degree, I realised that actually Im really quite good at this and that Ive got a real knack for it. I was getting really good grades and I just thought I've got a choice here, I can either really try and use this as a catalyst to fire me in the direction I want to go in or I can just carry on this same path in a job that isnt really what I want to do. As Debbie went from strength to strength on the course, she was also grateful for the flexibility offered by her lecturers as she juggled her studies with raising two children and a job. The uni were very accommodating. If I had seminars that were spread out over three days, they were able to condense it down to two days and would work with me on the timings to make sure I could manage and be available for my kids as well. It was challenging and it was difficult, but I'm not sure Leeds Beckett could have done anything more really to accommodate me, they were extremely understanding. After receiving a first-class LLB, Debbie is now heading to BPP University to complete the Bar course, and once qualified will look for pupillage as a barrister. After a hugely positive experience at Leeds Beckett, her advice for anyone considering taking a course as a mature student is to take the leap. I think you're actually more advantaged as a mature student because of the experience that you've got behind you. So, I'd say to anybody just do it. Absolutely do it. And just enjoy it. The time will pass anyway so if you have the opportunity grab it with both hands and use the time to fulfil your dreams and reach your full potential. Find out more about studying at Leeds Law School.
The new development will serve as the new home for Leeds Law Schools undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes, offering state-of-the-art facilities that will allow students to work alongside legal academics and learn in an environment that will promote deep learning and develop critical analysis. An immersive simulation suite, a courtroom with a jury deliberation room, a reading room and social learning areas are among the spaces that will support students to expand their knowledge of the legal profession and provide them with an ideal platform to launch their career. The national charity Support Through Court will have a dedicated room within the new premises to support members of public to represent themselves in court. Professor Deveral Capps, Dean of Leeds Law School, said: The Law School has grown considerably in recent years, and weve now reached a level where we want to give our students and staff a real sense of place, and for them to have somewhere amazing they can call home. This huge investment means we will have the most modern law school in the country, which fills me with great pride. Im incredibly excited to open the doors to our new Law School in time for us to celebrate the schools centenary. Weve been teaching law at Leeds Law School since 1924 and settling into such modern, state-of-the-art facilities by 2024 gives us a sense of great achievement and opportunity for our students and staff.