The University of Law has awarded Honorary doctorates to two of its outstanding alumni as part of the Graduation Ceremony held for more than 900 students at the Barbican Centre on Wednesday.
World-leading solicitor James Libson and entrepreneur Rachel Wang accepted their Honorary Doctorates from Dame Fiona Woolf, Chancellor of The University of Law. Also present were Chairman and Speaker, The Right Honourable Professor, the Lord David Blunkett and Pro-Vice Chancellor Bill Bruce.
James Libson has been involved in a large number of pre-eminent legal cases throughout his career and more recently the case of Miller v the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union. Known now as the ‘Article 50 Case’, James acted for the campaigner Gina Miller.
University of Law Chancellor Dame Fiona Woolf, entrepreneur Rachel Wang and Pro-Vice Chancellor Bill Bruce
Chancellor Dame Fiona Woolf, Honorary Doctorate Rachel Wang and Pro-Vice Chancellor Bill Bruce.
Currently the Executive Partner at Mishcon de Reya and Head of Mishcon Private, James acts for a wide variety of clients including many high profile individuals, for example Deborah Lipstadt who was the defendant in the David Irving holocaust denier libel case.
James said: “I feel surprised, privileged and extremely pleased in equal measures to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate. As well as still not quite believing The University of Law has decided to honour me in this manner”
James added that he is working on the normal mix of varied cases, including a great deal of international arbitration, more local disputes and more general advisory work.
“I am lucky to be in a firm always in the midst of what is happening so topics like the scrutiny of the charitable sector and #metoo create legal issues immediately - some of which I am advising on. I am also spending a lot of time on the Mishcon Academy.”
James also offered some advice to The University of Law’s newest graduates as they embark on their careers.
“Don't be cynical. Law remains an amazing profession and law and lawyers are more important and relevant today than they have been for a long time. Be open to change because it is happening and happening quickly. Specialise and be the best at what interests you but be open to variety and outside influences,” he said
Rachel Wang is an alumna of The University of Law who, after completing her LPC and working in corporate finance for four years, decided to set up her own video production company which she has grown into a highly-successful business.
Rachel said: “I’m extremely proud to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate by The University of Law. It’s such an honour.”
Rachel said she was working on many ongoing projects including creating AV for new exhibitions at the National Maritime Museum and the British Library, working on a long-term documentary project with New Covent Garden Market.
“We are about to shoot a documentary in Germany, Thailand, India and Poland. On the education side of the business, we're creating series of online training films for a client in Germany. We're also producing animations about security robots in Scotland, and the effects of skunk cannabis in London,” said Rachel.
Rachel told the new graduates to be brave and confident. “Your degree will open many doors, or if, like me, you want to start your own business, it will be a vital tool for the rest of your career,” she said.