Laura Platts

I have worked as an Open University Lecturer since 2008 and have tutored on several undergraduate law modules.  At present, I tutor on: W112 Civil Justice and tort law; W302 Equity, Trusts and Land; and W330 European Union Law. I also work with the Open Justice Clinic. I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. I have a particular interest in the use of technology in teaching practice.

My background is as a litigation solicitor with 19 years’ experience in private practice. My specialism is property litigation. I combined legal practice and tutoring for a time but in 2016 I decided to concentrate on my higher education roles, and I stepped down from private practice. I enjoy all aspects of tutoring and am proud of all the modules which I tutor on. Due to my property background, I do have a ‘soft spot’ for W302 (which covers land law). 

The best aspect of tutoring at the Open University is the diversity of students. I gain a lot of job satisfaction in supporting all of my students and assisting each individual to succeed in their studies. I am lucky to often meet the same students both at level 1 and later at level 3. It is lovely to witness my students’ academic development as they progress through their degrees and graduate. 

This year I was a winner of an OU Students Association 2022 Tutor Award. It means the world to me that my students have anonymously nominated me for this award.