An introduction to this course, the topics it will cover, an overview of the Common Law in the UK, the court system and the concept of judicial precedent.

An introduction to the process of applying to law school in the UK, both as a domestic and foreign student. The experience of studying law in the UK as an undergraduate student and the structure of the course.

Dr Pratt, a practising child psychologist will talk about his role and that of his colleagues in safeguarding the interests of young and vulnerable children and how his work brings him into contact with the legal system, particularly as an expert witness in proceedings before the family courts.

An introduction to International Organisations Law with particular emphasis on the World Bank. A look at the way in which the World Bank investigates allegations of bribery and corruption, fraud and misconduct associated with projects it finances. Additionally, a summary of the process by which the Bank punishes and deters such conduct through its sanction’s regime.

A junior barrister and solicitor share their experiences of the two routes to qualification as professional lawyers in the UK. Both Vanessa and Dilan have recently been through this process and will talk through the challenges associated with each set of professional examinations and the key factors driving the decision – barrister or solicitor?

Matt will provide a guide to substantive and procedural family law in the UK, including the recent changes in matrimonial law allowing for the “no fault divorce”. In additional to matrimonial law, the talk will cover the division of finances on divorce and the welfare of children in family law.

Any robust legal system needs an effective mechanism for law reform. This session will examine some of the core principles underpinning good law reform and explain the approach adopted by the Law Commission of England and Wales over the 50+ years of its operation.    

This talk will deal with the professional standards observed by lawyers in the UK and the procedure in place for dealing with complaints made against barristers where it is alleged they have acted in breach of those standards.

David will talk through some examples of criminal cases from investigation to trial illustrating how the criminal justice process operates in England and Wales.

Mrs Justice McGowan will speak about the structure of the judiciary in England and Wales and the role of the judge in British courts.

This talk will provide an overview of the development and operation of intellectual p[property law in England and Wales.

Russ and Esther will talk about their experience in providing due diligence support to clients and the role of due diligence in the legal process, with emphasis on the know your client process in on-boarding new clients in banking and other sectors.

Dr Taggart will summarise his experiences working at the Truth Project, which concluded in October 2021, giving more than 6,000 victims and survivors of child sexual abuse in the UK an opportunity to share their experiences with the Inquiry and put forward suggestions for change. This listening exercise was set up because the Inquiry recognised that victims and survivors could provide a uniquely-informed contribution to understanding and learning from past mistakes and improving child protection in the future.

A summary of some of the key differences between how English ‘common’ law and European ‘civil’ law approach the formation and enforcement of contracts. The lecture also discusses how, in the absence of a civil code, common law has incrementally developed to respond to the commercial needs of the time. It also reflects on certain areas of English contract law which might be improved by judicial or legislative reform.

A summary of English law governing the tort of negligence. It focuses on the various elements a claimant must prove when seeking damages to compensate harm caused by a defendant’s negligence. Particular focus is given to the concept of a ‘duty of care’, as the most striking element which differs English law from that in most civil law countries.

A summary of some of the key differences between how English ‘common’ law and European ‘civil’ law approach the formation and enforcement of contracts. The lecture also discusses how, in the absence of a civil code, common law has incrementally developed to respond to the commercial needs of the time. It also reflects on certain areas of English contract law which might be improved by judicial or legislative reform.

This talk will highlight the challenges faced by a successful lawyer balancing a pressurised professional legal practice with the other demands of life.