How to succeed: Level 1 and Level 2 Law Conferences 23/24 Our long-awaited BELFAST day

As a native of NI, when I heard that the Belfast Law Conference was to be held in late February, I thought, the best we can hope for is no snow!  To my surprise and joy, 24 February dawned crisp and sunny and Stranmillis University College was awash with early blossoms. 

I had the pleasure of hosting the event and we had a wonderful team of academics, associate lecturers and lecturer/SEMs presenting and delivering the sessions:

Carol Edwards, Sam Woods-Peel, Glen Marshall, Neill Graffin, Siobhan Cullen, Mary McLaughlin and Cory Flynn,

Our Executive Dean, Mark Durkin, was welcomed with open arms when he arrived laden with goodies to be shared out. 

It was a real delight to meet the students before the start of the conference.  Many had travelled long distances and each one was keen to learn and meet fellow students and staff.  Any initial unease was soon dispelled.  Students were especially thrilled to meet their Criminal Law and the Courts tutor - in person.

When housekeeping matters were dispensed with, the conference kicked off with our Keynote Address, delivered by Sam Woods-Peel who peppers her delivery with humour.  Sam’s topic was RMS Titanic: Lifeboats and Law – Sam is a mine of information about the historic event which saw Titanic sink on its maiden voyage - and modern day regulations.

In Conversation followed when Carol Edwards discussed with Neil Graffin and Siobhan Cullen Wellbeing in the Law School and the Legal Profession.  A topical issue which is gaining more and more traction as an issue which must not be ignored.

Students then split up into ‘skills’ sessions.  There were four to choose from and students were able to attend two before lunch:

1. How to turn a problem into a friend – Using IRAC successfully
2. How to succeed in writing better essays
3. How the OU law degree works – Making time successfully
4. Snail Mrs Donoghue? How to succeed in reading legal primary sources

Thanks to Sam, Glen, Mary and Neil for these informative and entertaining sessions.

The feedback from students was universally positive and the only improvement suggested was longer sessions!

The sun carried on shining and a well-earned lunch was next on the agenda.

After lunch, Cory Flynn took centre stage to deliver A Day in the Life of… Cory is an NI barrister. His session was very well received.  He shared with the students his own journey to become a barrister.  He was open about his own background, personal struggles and talked about the competitive nature of the bar profession, especially the difficulty obtaining a pupillage.

The final events of the day saw students breaking up into their two choices for module focused workshops.  These covered the four core modules at Level 1 and 2.  They were popular and, again, the only improvement suggested was longer sessions.

Thanks to Corey, Mary, Neil and Carol for these final sessions which students did not want to leave!

The day closed with farewells, evidence of new friendships made and Sam and Glen ensuring that feedback forms had been completed.  Conversations continued outside the building until almost 6pm. 

A great day with a happy ending.

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Rosie Watson

Rosie is a qualified solicitor and has over 20 years’ experience in higher education as a lecturer and head of department.  She joined the OU as a lecturer and Student Experience Manager in February 2021.  She makes a point of telling her students that she studied law as a mature student with family and caring responsibilities, so understands the emotional, financial and time challenges they experience.  Rosie also tells them she made 120 applications for a training contract - only one interview was offered - success!  The moto is, never give up. Perhaps it is relevant that her first degree is in Psychology.  She has had a wide and varied early career in HR, with IBM and The Evening Standard. Rosie is a keen reader and belongs to two book clubs – it is occasionally challenging to keep up.  Running was a passion for many years and she is determined to work on her motivation to take it up again.