Leeds Law School launches new home with esteemed line-up of speakers

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.