Katie Vaughan

Katie Vaughan is in the fifth and final year of a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) undergraduate degree – and she only turned 20 this August!

This summer, the talented then teenager from North Staffordshire was one of eight recipients of the prestigious Neuberger Prize having first been chosen as the OU nominee. It aims to recognise and support the next generation of legal professionals with all the outstanding students demonstrating exceptional academic achievement and potential in the field of law.

Named after a distinguished former President of the UK’s Supreme Court, Lord Neuberger, it is awarded annually by Lincoln’s Inn to non-Russell Group undergraduates. Lincoln’s Inn is one of the four Inns of Court and barristers must be a member of one to practise law.

Katie’s reward was a three-day summer school in London, designed to support professional development. The packed programme in July included a visit to the Old Bailey, ethics, workshops, a Lincoln’s Inn tour and opportunities to meet, network and dine with its members, employees, academics and volunteers.

She said: “I enjoyed the summer school at Lincoln’s Inn and it was very busy few days. I believe my background in dance and performing arts has given me confidence to pursue a career at the Bar, and being able to ‘play a role’ has taught me empathy and the art of persuasion, which are crucial for advocacy.”

Having excelled in her 11 GCSEs in the spring / summer of 2021, taken during forced distance learning for schools due to the pandemic restrictions, it was not a tough decision to start further studies with the OU that autumn.

Katie said: “I actually enjoyed being in control of my learning when we had to work at home and away from school so distance learning was something I embraced. Also, my mum Christine studied with the OU while she was having her children before becoming an accountant and my older sister, Libby, started at the same time as me with a Psychology degree having first taken her A-levels.”

She is the youngest of five, with three older brothers as well, but this did not prevent the family fostering 11 other children over the years.

Katie continued: “This exposure to family law undoubtedly sparked an interest in advocating for those who don’t have a voice. I want to become a barrister and I will be applying to study the Bar training course when I complete my OU studies next year.”

She was a full-time student for the first two years before continuing on a part-time basis while also working since then. Katie praised her tutors, particularly Paul Dale during her first and second years, and is currently enjoying the W360: ‘Justice in Action’ module.

As well as attending course online social events, she has been involved with the OU Law Society (which is run by students, for students) to attend a mooting competition as well as a networking event at the Supreme Court in London.