The verdict: Ian’s a high-flying, prize-winning legal eagle

Legal ace Ian Pennock had seven good reasons for celebration this week when he graduated from the University of Teesside. On Tuesday he received his First Class LLB (Hons) degree at Middlesbrough Town Hall, in addition to five prestigious prizes. Ian, 39, of Woodgate Close, Greatham, Hartlepool, clinched the Cavendish Prize, the HSBC Prize, the Jacksons Prize, the Sweet & Maxwell Prize and the Waterstone Prize. Today he will add to these achievements, when he returns to the Town Hall to receive the Cecil M Yuill Award for the highest achievement in any field of study.

Ian said: “I was quite shocked to learn that I’d won all those prizes, but pleased as well. My wife Diane said it’s typical of me; ‘he’s won five prizes and has to go one better’!”

He returned to education in his mid-30’s whilst managing his own successful newsagents. Ian said: “I wanted a change of direction in my life and I’ve always been interested in law, the logic of the subject struck a chord with me. The facilities at Teesside are excellent and the tutors are committed and very supportive.”

Last year Ian was part of a victorious team of legal eagles from the University of Teesside who won the North East Inter-Varsity Mooting League, an annual mock trial competition between law students from North-East Universities. The Teesside team seized first place, Durham second and Northumbria third. Ian also gained best individual first prize, awarded to the student who achieved the highest marks from everybody taking part.

Ian said: “I got a real kick out of the competition and the satisfaction of being able to argue legal issues and put my learning into practice.”

He is now studying on the Bar Vocational course for Trainee Barristers at Newcastle, and is seeking a pupilage with a set of Barrister’s chambers

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