Lottie Dodd is an alumna, qualified lawyer and senior law lecturer at our Manchester campus. Here, Lottie talks us through her career journey and shares advice for students starting their law degree, including those going through Clearing.
By April Baniqued. Published 12 August 2026.
Talk us through your career journey
My career has been varied, not just in the legal sense. I left practice in 2016 and worked as a wedding and travel photographer, covering events and people all over the world for several years.
Eventually, I returned to a legal role and began teaching at The University of Law in 2020, just before Covid-19 hit. Self-employment was both fun and challenging. I developed a wide range of practical and creative skills, including people management, website design and development, accounting, taxation and marketing.
What sparked the decision to go into teaching?
I had considered a teaching role when I first left commercial practice but my photography business had taken off. I was presented with some incredible opportunities that were too good to miss. These included photographing weddings in Jordan, South Africa and Albania. After many years on the road, I missed the intellectual challenge that a legal career offered. Teaching felt like the right fit.
How did you find yourself working at the University?
I initially took up a visiting lecturer role at the (then) Chester campus. Within a few weeks, I was offered a permanent role at the Manchester campus and have been there ever since.
What achievements are you most proud of?
My career is important to me but so is my life and identity outside the legal world. I am an adventure seeker at heart and have completed lots of long-distance hikes over the years. I cycled the Hebridean Way in 2023 and quickly discovered the joys of bike touring. To celebrate a big birthday in 2024, the University very kindly gave me the green light to take a short career break. I sold my house, packed my bike, tent and warm clothes in a rather large box and flew out to New Zealand. I cycled the Tour Aotearoa, which covers more than 1,800 miles. The route runs from Cape Reinga (at the tip of the North Island) to Bluff (at the tip of the South Island). I cycled across beaches, through mountains and cities, fuelled by hearty New Zealand pies, ice cream and coffee.
Whilst that might sound tiring to some, before I reached Bluff, I’d already booked a flight to Florida, USA. There, I cycled another 2,290 miles up the entire East Coast from Miami to Canada, staying with locals along the way.
These two trips combined are, without a doubt, my proudest moments and achievements to date. It is difficult to put into words just how incredible those experiences were. The kindness of complete strangers made the trip so special and memorable.
Who has influenced you on your journey?
I wouldn’t say there’s one single standout person who made an impact on my journey but rather multiple people along the way. The neighbour who took me to the legal department for a ‘take your daughter to work day’ because she only had sons. The colleague who arranged for me to sit with a judge they knew in court. The barrister I met who let me shadow them for a whole year. The friends who let me stay whilst I spent summers doing unpaid work experience. The university tutor who sponsored me to change courses from law, economics and politics to law, which had higher entry requirements. These people all made a lasting impression on me. They were generous with their time and supportive of my aspirations to become a solicitor. I shall be forever grateful for the positive impact they had.
What experience has made you feel the most rewarded by teaching?
I constantly feel rewarded and inspired by teaching. Whether they’re undergraduate or postgraduate students, they all bring their own unique skills, challenges and backgrounds. Watching students grow academically and develop their own voice and reasoning over time is such a wonderful feeling. It brings me hope for the future.
What keeps you passionate about your role?
The University has a rich and proud history. It also has such a diverse and experienced array of lecturers and academics, which makes it unique in its makeup. I am inspired by the people around me and the drive to continually improve the service we deliver.
What’s one aspect of teaching that truly excites you?
I’m excited and admittedly a little nervous about the future of higher education and the legal profession. Technology and AI are evolving at such a fast pace. It will undoubtedly mean that there will be fundamental changes to the way students learn. I’m excited to see how we can incorporate these changes and respond to a new way of learning and working over the coming years.
What can students look forward to when they walk into your classroom?
A positive and hopefully interesting session. Energy and engagement are important to me. I can’t just unzip my students’ heads and pour in everything I know. It has to be a two-way discussion. My teaching style is relatively relaxed but I enjoy a lively and enthusiastic classroom. I want my students to come away with a hunger to learn more, to open their minds and question the world around them.
What advice would you like to give to students?
Preparation is key but so is being efficient and effective with your time. You can enjoy plenty of mini adventures outside your studies. It can be difficult to strike the right balance. Preparing for classes will help you participate more confidently during workshops and ultimately gain more from your university experience.
Interested in studying law at the University? Browse our undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
