Part of the Make It Happen fortnight
4 – 8 Mar 2019
SPR TERM Week 5

The week’s events are themed around current areas of interest in the legal profession. Students hear about access to justice and the bar; women, equality and leadership in law; commercial awareness and the rise of new technologies; and, learn more about diverse skills like using Art in law! Whether you’re aspiring to be a solicitor or a barrister, thinking about an alternative career, or looking to improve your professional skills, LEW has something to offer you.

Every day featured afternoon events that ran from 3-5pm everyday and involved drop-ins (Freeman Centre Foyer) and workshops. The evening events ran from 5-7pm Mon-Weds and 6-8pm Thurs and were panel events. 

Monday 4th March - Practising at the Bar

• Afternoon Events: DROP-INS 2-5pm

Freeman Centre Foyer

Drop-in to these stands to speak with your peers about being involved in these societies – what skills could you learn? What social events are you missing out on?

University of Sussex Law Society (President: Freddie Whittle)

Aspiring Barristers Society (President: Scharlee Thompson)

• Evening PANEL SESSION: ACCESS TO JUSTICE AND PRACTISING AT THE BAR

5-7pm, Freeman Moot Room

What is access to justice? Do I want to practice at the bar? This panel explores issues around access to justice and legal aid, and shares the skills and experience of experts working in the areas of immigration, human rights and employment law. 

Speakers:

William McCready: ‘Becoming a legal aid barrister’

William McCready is a practicing barrister in Immigration & Asylum law. He was previously a tenant at Garden Court North Chambers before recently joining the University of Sussex as a Teaching Fellow in Migration Law and supervisor of the new Migration Law Clinic. 

Matthew Moriarty: 'Life at the Bar after the slow death of Legal Aid?'

Matthew Moriarty practises in asylum, immigration, human rights and public law at Lamb Building, London. His work has centred on developing and bringing complex legal challenges and interventions to the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and Court of Justice of the European Union.

Rachel Baker: 'The Employment & Civil Bar in a changing legal landscape'

Rachel Baker is a Sussex-based barrister at Becket Chambers and has a wide range of experience including time as a Senior Crown Prosecutor.  Rachel returned to the Bar in 2016 after a career-break and practises in civil and employment law, including “Direct Public Access” work for clients unable to afford a solicitor.

Chair: Scharlee Thompson, Final Year LLB and President, Sussex Aspiring Barristers Society

Law Employability Week - Monday AUDIO

Tuesday 5th March - Women, Equality and Leadership

• Afternoon Events: DROP-INS 2-5pm

Freeman Centre Foyer Afternoon

Drop-in to these stands to speak with your peers about being involved in these societies – what skills could you learn? What social events are you missing out on?

University of Sussex Law Society

University of Law

Canadian Law Society

• Afternoon Event: Speed Mentoring WORKSHOP -  ‘To be brief: there’s more to law than conveyancing’

Time & Venue: 4-5pm, Freeman Centre FRE-G31

Join the six lawyers from the Office of the General Counsel for “speed mentoring”, aimed at expanding your idea of what it is to be a lawyer. Collectively, we have 89 years’ PQE. We are a mix of barristers and solicitors, with one also holding a judicial appointment. We have experience of working in: City and local law firms, Chambers, central Government departments, the Law Commission, Public Inquiries, charities, campaign groups, Regulators, and in-house posts. We have legal expertise gained through advisory and litigation work, drafting legislation, mediation, negotiation, and strategic leadership roles. Our expertise covers a broad range of subject areas, such as: Human Rights, Public Law, Information Law, Employment Law & Industrial Relations, Health & Safety, International Law, cyber security, civil litigation, EU law, Inquests & inquiries, property law, Mergers & Acquisitions, Immigration Law, whistleblowing, regulatory law, commercial contracts, and disciplinary & complaints procedures.

The team comprises:

Bridget Edminson, General Counsel: called to the Bar in 1997 as a member of Inner Temple, Bridget began in private practice as a criminal defence barrister before joining the Government Legal Service (GLS) in 2000. In the GLS Bridget held posts in HM Customs & Excise and Ofgem, as well as several Senior Civil Service posts in the Ministry of Defence: Head of the Armed Forces Act 2006 Implementation; Head of the Personnel and Pensions Law Division; and Head of the General Law Division. Bridget joined the University in May 2018 as its first General Counsel.

Geraldine Ismail, Senior Lawyer. Geraldine is a solicitor with 20 years’ PQE. Before joining the University in December 2018, Geraldine was a member of the Government Legal Department, working in the Department for International Trade on Brexit-related trade matters. Prior to that Geraldine held posts as an advisory lawyer in the MoD and the Department of Health. Geraldine has also been a Human Rights advisory lawyer at the NSPCC and a Human Rights litigation solicitor at Liberty. Her early career was spent as a Family Law solicitor in private practice.

Michele Balfe, Lawyer. Michele is a solicitor with 14 years’ PQE. Michele joined the University in December 2018 from Simmonds & Simmonds, where she worked across a broad range of employment law related matters. Michele also has experience of charity law and holds a Non-executive Director post. Michele began her career as a criminal law solicitor and has also worked on inquests.

Emma Purnell, Lawyer. Emma is a solicitor with 7 years’ PQE. Emma has worked for the University for six years, bar a short sojourn as Legal Counsel in an in-house commercial role. Prior to joining the University, Emma undertook her training contract in private practice in Brighton. Emma has worked in the Contracts and IP Legal Team throughout her time at the University, joining the Office of the General Counsel in May. Before qualifying as a solicitor Emma was a Legal Aid Clerk at Brighton Magistrates’ Court.

Lucy-May Tarafder, Lawyer. Lucy-May is a solicitor with 6 years’ PQE. Lucy-May joined the University in December 2018 from private practice in Lewes where she has specialised in commercial property matters, particularly in the healthcare sector. Prior to undertaking her training contract, Lucy-May worked as a Research Assistant at the Law Commission on a Review of Partnership Law.

• Evening PANEL SESSION: WOMEN, EQUALITY & LEADERSHIP IN LAW

5-7pm, Ashdown House Room 102

Is law a diverse profession? What skills do I need in leadership? This panel shares the success stories and experiences of women in law, and the skills needed to be successful in leadership and in the practice of a diverse range of areas of law.

Speakers:

Terri Brookes, ‘I am what I am. Asperger’s Syndrome and Me’

Terri Brookes was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and Dyslexia in 2008/2009 whilst an undergraduate at the University of Sussex and graduated in 2012. As well as becoming a single mother to a child also with Asperger’s, Terri has worked many voluntary legal roles in law centres and for charities, been awarded an LLM and currently works for the Government Legal Department as a legal trainee.

Amanda Clarke, ‘Things I wish I had known then that I know now…’

Amanda Clarke is a practising barrister, based in Sussex.  She specialises in Children and Education Law and has a diverse practice across the SE and London.  She is a Lecturer in civil litigation and family law on the BPTC at City, University of London. 

Tomruk Ustunkaya, ‘Allowing your career to unfold: Transcending with Authenticity’

As a PhD candidate in Fashion Law, Tomruk also teaches intellectual property law at the University of Sussex. She has presented her publications both in the UK and internationally and in addition is involved in designing and providing workshops in pedagogy for the Law faculty in Art Law. 

Bridget Edminson: ‘The ability to adapt, improvise and overcome: why successful lawyers need to exhibit the Commando spirit’ 

Bridget Edminson is General Counsel: called to the Bar in 1997 as a member of Inner Temple, Bridget began in private practice as a criminal defence barrister before joining the Government Legal Service (GLS) in 2000. In the GLS Bridget held posts in HM Customs & Excise and Ofgem, as well as several Senior Civil Service posts in the Ministry of Defence: Head of the Armed Forces Act 2006 Implementation; Head of the Personnel and Pensions Law Division; and Head of the General Law Division. Bridget joined the University in May 2018 as its first General Counsel.

Chair: Bal Sokhi-Bulley, Senior Lecturer in Law & Critical Theory, Employability Lead SLS

Law Employability Week - Tuesday AUDIO

Wednesday 6th March - Practising Commercial Awareness

• Afternoon Events: DROP-INS 2-5pm

Freeman Centre Foyer Afternoon

Drop-in to these stands to speak with your peers about being involved in these societies – what skills could you learn? What social events are you missing out on?

BPP University

University of Sussex Law Society

Commercial Awareness Society

• Afternoon Event: BPP WORKSHOP – ‘Three steps to improve your Commercial Awareness’

Time & Venue: 2-4pm, Freeman Centre FRE-F40

Led by: Annie Harvey, BPP University

• Evening PANEL SESSIONS: COMMERCIAL AWARENESS & NEW TECHNOLOGIES 5-7pm, Freeman Moot Room

What is it like to practice commercial law? How do I learn commercial awareness skills? What has been the impact of new technologies on how we practice commercial awareness? This panel features talks from practitioners who can answer these questions, and more!

Speakers

Marcus Hayes: 'Practising Commercial Awareness and New Technologies: An Employer and Student Perspective'

Marcus is a Sussex Alumni.  He made partnership in an international law firm in the 1990s and now heads up award-winning law firm, Mason Hayes.  In 2015 he was runner up in the category of Solicitor of the Year at the Law Society Excellence Awards and during that year also won the A1 National Legal Award for the Best Telecoms, Media and Technology Litigator in the UK.  In 2014 Marcus was also made a Fellow of the University of Sussex.  He acts for prominent public and private companies and high net worth individuals.  In 2015 he acted on behalf of the TalkTalk Group with regard to its data breaches and external cyber attacks and has recently advised in a £40 million telecommunications tax dispute in the European Court and in a £150 million claim between two international telecommunication brands.

Tess Agostini: 'Practising Commercial Awareness and New Technologies: An Employer and Student Perspective'

Tess is a former Sussex law student. She completed her first degree in Criminology at the University of Ottawa and subsequently graduated with honours in the law program at Sussex. While at Sussex, Tess was an Aspiring Solicitor’s ambassador, a volunteer for Sussex’s family and migration legal clinics and quarter finalist in both the negotiation and mooting competitions. Tess now works as a legal intern for the largest record company in the world, Universal Music Group, and has been asked to work for the company full time after her internship expires.

Michelle De Santis: 'The Labyrinth of Commercial Awareness'

Michelle is an LLB Graduate and current trainee at CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang following two years in house as the sole legal adviser for a travel company. 

Chair: Freddie Whittle, Final Year LLB, President of Sussex University Law Society

Law Employability Week - Wednesday AUDIO

Thursday 7th March - Careers in... Law

• Afternoon Events: DROP-INS, 2-5pm

Freeman Centre Foyer Afternoon

Drop-in to these stands to speak with your peers about being involved in these societies – what skills could you learn? What social events are you missing out on?

University of Sussex Law Society

• Afternoon Events: WORKSHOPS

WORKSHOP 1 – ‘Careers in International Law’

The experience of many students studying international law at university is, 'This is fascinating, but what can I do with it?' The range of possible careers is vast, and this short session aims to provide an overview of the options available to law graduates who wish to pursue a career in, or related to, international law.

Time and Venue: 2-3pm, Freeman Centre Moot Room

Facilitator: Professor Christian Henderson, Professor of International Law

WORKSHOP 2 – ‘Is a Postgraduate Degree for me?’

Time and Venue: 3-4pm, Freeman Centre Moot Room

Facilitator: Dr Bal Sokhi-Bulley, Employability Lead SLS

An LLM (Masters in Law) is a great way to build your CV, specialize in a subject area (e.g. Human Rights, Environmental Law, Criminal Law and Criminology) and build networks for a future career. This session is run as a workshop and will inform you of wide and exciting range of LLM Options available at Sussex – and discuss what you might do with a postgraduate degree. Have you thought of alternative careers like academia, or working for an NGO? Come and talk about the options that further study opens up to you! Bal teaches on the LLM Human Rights and will be joined by LLM students that can answer your queries.

Have a browse through the current LLM programmes offered at Sussex, available here: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/law/pgstudy/postgraduate-prospectus

• Evening PANEL SESSION: CAREERS IN… LAW

6-8pm, Chowen Lecture Theatre, Medical School (BSMS)

A range of speakers, mainly Sussex alumni, will be visiting campus to offer you advice, information and encouragement. After the panel presentations there will be a chance for some informal networking over a drink. Come along to hear their stories, get fantastic insights and inspiration, and perhaps make a few contacts

Speakers include:

• Lloydette Bai-Marrow: Law with North American Studies (2004), Principal Consultant and Founding Partner, ParaMetric Global Consulting
• Olivia Lewis: Graduate Entry LLB (2017), General Assistant in Dept of Legal & Business Affairs, Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited
• Julian Malt: Law (2011), Lawyer, Government Legal Service
• Louise Perreira: Law (2011) Trainee Solicitor, Macfarlanes
• Jack Horlock: Law (2014) Trainee Solicitor, Weightmans

Matthew Withers: Law (2017), Barrister, 1 Crown Office Row

Friday 8th March - Alternative Skills - Doing Art in Law

Come and learn how to think and do law differently through the Art/Law Network. See the Outside/In Exhibition being held in Freeman Foyer and learn what critical skills you can acquire through the ‘Cutting up the Law’!

• Art Exhibition, Freeman Centre Foyer, 2-5pm

The exhibition in the Freeman Foyer showcases the work of artists of Outside/In, a local platform for 'artists facing barriers' to promote and sell their work. The artists may come from a range of backgrounds, from those with learning difficulties to prisoners, to people with addiction and mental health issues, to artists who purely have to had formal training and see themselves as 'outsiders' to the art world.

This exhibition is in connection with the Art/Law Teaching Theme at Sussex Law School, and the Art/Law Network, that seeks to bring artists, lawyers and agitators of all creeds, to work together for social change.

WORKSHOP: Alternative Skills – ‘Cutting up the Law’

Time & Venue: 2-3pm, Ashdown House, Room 102

Facilitators: Dr Lucy Finchett-Maddock and Dr Verona Ni Drisceoil

The ‘cut-up’ technique, originally used by artist Brion Gysin and writer William Burroughs, as well as David Bowie, is where text is reordered to create new meanings.  The session will use this method to cut up legal texts in order to change their meaning, and perhaps even change the law (or at least show the law can be changed).  Burroughs claimed ‘cutting up is for everyone ..  right here, write now’ (William Burroughs, The Cut-Up Method of Brion Gysin, Totem Press 1962) - and that includes budding lawyers!  For more information see: http://artlawnetwork.org/antiuniversity-intersections-of-art-law-and-protest/http://artlawnetwork.org/antiuniversity-intersections-of-art-law-and-protest/