- LLM Online
- 2021
What is your favourite memory from your time with us?
The stand out for me from my time with The University of Law during the last degree I studied with you was the support I received from Dr Leyanda purchase, I studied for a masters of laws in corporate governance between 2019 -2021 and found the resources and materials so easy to access, the ability to study flexibly around my work meant that I could catch up on lectures and seminars on a Saturday morning. Her support when writing my dissertation on whether there was any possibility to have global data protection regulations in place (obviously the answer was no but I still needed 14,999 other words to fill out the essay and provided a very dry detailed amount of research to evidence my point! Sorry whoever had to read it and thanks for the distinction) was phenomenal, she and my peers on that particular course made the whole experience enjoyable. I highly recommend that area of study for anyone interested in corporate Law.
Share a piece of advice from a lecturer or classmate that has stayed with you?
Be kind to yourself, I was studying and working full-time for the Ministry of Justice at the time and it was challenging particularly as my boss was a bully, I was encouraged to enjoy my studies and to maximise every opportunity I received during my time with the University and that is what I would share with any student, these are such special opportunities to get an outstanding education from an outstanding education provider so make the most of every second.
What has been the best development in your field since you qualified?
I’ve gone on to be a senior chambers partner working with charity partners and running a pro bono service providing legal representation to stalking, harassment and domestic violence victims who wouldn’t otherwise have legal representation, in 2024 I became a YN Woman and UN Woman UK attending the UN’s general assembly this year and the United Nations commission on the status of women for the last two years where I’ve been able to participate in global conversations on improving rights for women and girls, I am currently delivering an international research project on how culture impacts domestic abuse reporting. Through all of these things, I’ve been able to contribute to government policy and assist with the Implementation of bills to improve rights for domestic abuse and sexual violence victims. The implementation of Claire’s law giving Individuals the opportunity to find out whether a partner has a violent or abusive past has been one of the best pieces of legislation I’ve seen implemented, I’ve actually represented individuals in obtaining injunctions following disclosures by the police. The impact of this legislation has saved lives.
And the worst....?
Seeing repeals in women’s rights across the world, I’ve worked closely with refugees particularly Afghan women and seeing their legal rights and human rights withdrawn has been devastating.
If you could bring in one new piece of legislation in your sector, what would it be and why?
Tougher sentencing around stalking and harassment. Currently, these cases are so challenging to bring to court and sentencing is woefully inadequate.
What advice would you give to someone starting the course you studied?
Attend the lectures, ask lots of questions (there is never a stupid question) engage with the materials and maximise every single second. I have studied pretty much every degree apart from two (I have several) with The University of Law and have always applied those approaches to maximise my investment in my education and my personal development and my opportunities.
How did your course prepare you for your career?
I manage a legal chambers and sit on the board and have sat on the board of CIPD, my masters of laws in corporate governance has enabled me to understand board processes, bring so much more to the table, and to help steer my own business and that of CIPD in a positive direction.
Tell us something people may be surprised to know about you…
I speak French, Spanish, German, Italian, a little bit of Swahili and Labrador and spaniel.
Learn more about Alison's journey by reading our blog here.