5 mins read
Danielle Damm is a senior lecturer and Widening Particiption Lead at our Manchester campus. We spoke to her to learn more about her journey into teaching, her work as a barrister and the initiatives she's worked on to help widen participation at the University.
By Abs Wilson. Published 23 October 2026.
Talk us through your career journey.
Before The University of Law, I was a barrister at a busy Chambers in Liverpool, practicing mainly in Civil litigation but with some Immigration on the side.
The decision to go into teaching was something that I explored gradually rather than being ignited overnight. After being exhausted from the unpredictability and weekend working that came with life at the Bar, and to regain some control over my working week, I did some part time work at another education provider in 2015. During this time, I taught advocacy on the BPC for one day per week and was in court for most of the rest. I had enjoyed the fresh challenge that teaching brought and was encouraged by the enthusiasm of my students.
After having my first son in 2017, I needed more structured working hours to accommodate the demands of family life. When my son was about 13 months old, I saw that The University of Law were recruiting. Given my previous experience, I jumped at the chance and here I am.
As well as lecturing, I am the Widening Participation (WP) Campus Lead at Manchester. This role involves supporting and generating various initiatives which aim to break down the barriers to success that may be experienced by students who identify with a WP characteristic (such as low income, care experienced, estranged from family, refugee) and generally keeping an eye out for any issues on campus that might need to be addressed in this respect.
Who has influenced you on your journey?
As an undergraduate, I wasn’t brimming with confidence. Before university, I had thought about becoming a doctor, but it had become clear that my maths was simply not strong enough to support getting the required “A” in Chemistry and it had been a last -minute switch to apply to study law. I had a Liverpool accent, at a time when this had a negative reputation as a hangover from the 80s and 90s. I was also from a low- income family, had no connections and was unsure of my place in the world. But a lecturer had seen the potential in me and invited me to moot for the University at Inner Temple, which I did. Whilst “on my feet” in that place, making submissions before a bencher I knew that a career at the Bar was right for me, but didn’t think it was possible. This lady supported and encouraged me through university and beyond, showing me that a career at the Bar was there for me if I wanted it. I owe her a debt of gratitude, and I am now scouse and proud.
What achievements are you most proud of?
Rather predictably, I would probably have to say an achievement that I’m most proud of was obtaining my pupillage. Everything I had done in the previous years was to build my CV and show my ability with the purpose of achieving this objective. I had suffered the inevitable round of rejections, both before and after interview and it had taken a tremendous amount of resilience and courage to keep going. But I did it.
Within my work at the University, I am proud to have set up a clothing rail on campus where students can access good quality formal business wear should they need it for interviews, work experience or advocacy classes. This initiative is supported by a local organisation Women in Criminal Law and has been supported by generous donations from the local legal community.
Additionally, I am currently working alongside my colleague Kate Russell, WP National Lead, to deliver the You Belong in Law: Leadership Programme. The programme is based around six workshops which are delivered at the offices of global firm Squire Patton Boggs and is aimed at students who identify with a WP characteristic with the objective of working on soft skills to support an increase in attainment. The workshops are centred on subjects such as overcoming imposter syndrome, how to use LinkedIn effectively and building a professional brand and are supported by legal professionals. It has been wonderful to see our students grow in confidence and believe that they belong in law just as much as anyone else.
What keeps you passionate about your role in The University of Law?
The University recognises that everybody comes to the institution with different experiences. I think they are amazing at supporting people who need adjustments and are committed to inclusivity in all areas.
What experience has made you feel the most rewarded and inspired by teaching?
When reviewing applications recently for the You Belong in Law: Leadership Programme that I am running at The University of Law Manchester Campus, I listened to a young woman describing some of the challenges she has faced and is still facing to pursue a career as a lawyer, and it reminded me that what I do makes a difference. It made me feel inspired and rewarded as a teacher.
What’s one aspect of teaching that truly excites you?
The aspect of teaching that I love the most are the students. I love their energy, and the determination shown by some is truly inspiring.
What can students look forward to when they walk into your classroom?
A Mentimeter or two, and (I like to think) an approachable lecturer who doesn’t mind having a bit of a laugh, within reason.
I stress to my students that integrity is the most important value that a lawyer must hold and I think that’s true of my teaching style. There are no airs and graces in my classroom and I encourage everybody to have an opinion and to express it in a respectful way. Nobody should pretend to be someone they’re not, believe something they don’t or say something that isn’t true.
What advice would you like to give to students?
Attend your workshops, do your reading, consolidate early and make full use of the range of support on offer.
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