Legal eagles fly back home to Teesside

A high-achieving set of law graduates has returned to their old institution to inspire the next generation of aspiring legal eagles.

The seven LLB (Hons) graduates were invited to return to Teesside as guests at a law conference, where they met 130 lower-sixth form students, aged 16 to 17.

The returning graduates were: > Nagina Hussain, a solicitor with Blackett Hart and Pratt Solicitors in Stockton > David Birks, a partner with Blackett Hart and Pratt Solicitors > Kevin Studholme, a solicitor with The Letting Group in Darlington > Lucy Butler, a solicitor with Archers Law (LLP) Solicitors in Stockton > Emma Nelson, a Solicitor with Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors in Stockton > Gary Singh, a Legal Officer with Teesside University > Blake Brunskill, who has recently completed Bar professional training.

Inspiring future generations Helen Howard, Senior Lecturer in Law, said: 'I’m delighted that our graduates have gone on to such successful careers. They are still prepared to give up their time to come back to support us and inspire future generations of law graduates.'

David Birks, 46, from Bedale, North Yorkshire, is now a partner in Commercial Litigation with Blackett Hart and Pratt Solicitors in Stockton.

He achieved his Teesside Law degree in 2001 after five years’ of part-time study. David enrolled on the degree following an injury acquired as a Police Constable for North Yorkshire Police, which ended his career.

David said: 'I started my degree at the age of 35 and even though law was a natural progression for me from policing, it had been so long since I’d studied. Entering an educational environment and learning how to study again was a very big step, but the degree was such a rewarding experience.

'I had a family to support and was working shifts, but the access to lecturers, the facilities and support were absolutely fantastic.

'I’ve told the sixth formers that you don’t have to be a solicitor with a law degree; it gives you lots of opportunities. You’ve just got to have the drive to make the most of your degree.'

A privilege to be asked back Lucy Butler, 26, from Middlesbrough, is a Solicitor with Archers Law (LLP) Solicitors in Stockton.

She achieved a first class law degree and said: 'It was a privilege to be asked back for this conference. Teesside University is a great University and I have no reservations recommending people to come here.

'The first class degree has held me in good stead in my legal career. I work in family law and every day is so varied. My advice to the teenagers is you need to work hard as it’s a competitive market out there. If the students are motivated they’ll have every chance.'

Stephen McAvoy is a Teesside Law graduate and now teaches the subject at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College.

He attended the conference with his colleague and 20 AS students and said: 'I found my Law degree here intensive but also interesting and enjoyable.

'The college is keen for the students to come as we’re already encouraging them to think about their University applications for next year now, about where they want to go and which subjects they wish to study. It’s also important for them to see what the University experience is like as it’s very different from sixth form.'

The sixth form colleges who attended the conference were Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form in Darlington, Durham Sixth Form College, Prior Pursglove Sixth Form in Guisborough, John Legott (Scunthorpe) and Barrow Sixth Form (Barrow in Furness).

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