Ali Wylie

Tell us about your journey to the University of Law. What inspired you to pursue a career in teaching, and how did you come to be part of the University of Law community?

After completing an LLB in Law and Accounting & Finance, followed by an LLM at UCL, I initially pursued a career path as a Chartered Accountant, completing a Training Contract with the ICAEW. However, I shifted direction and accepted a role as a Lecturer in Law and Business at a private university, where I taught for three years. I then completed my LPC and secured a legal Training Contract with a regional firm, undertaking various seats before specialising in litigation. I later became accredited as a Mediator.

My career evolved further as I transitioned into a role as a Careers Advisor, during which I completed a career qualification. I then obtained my PGCE in Maths and achieved Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). I discovered a deep passion for teaching and supporting students' learning, which led me to work as a Careers Consultant and later as Deputy Head at the University of London. I then worked for BPP for a few years alongside completing my Diploma. My role involved guidance, application checks, and delivering workshops. The latter reignited my desire to teach, and so I returned to my passion of teaching Law. I applied to the University of Law because I believe there was no better place to teach Law, and here I am, teaching a subject I love, at a great university.  

In your view, what makes the University of Law’s environment unique?

The University of Law stands out for its proactive approach to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that students from all backgrounds feel supported and valued. The university has dedicated significant resources to help students succeed, including an effective teaching model, structured lectures, engaging workshops, revision software tools, and comprehensive student guides. Personal tutor and academic coach support, along with mock exams and library services, further enhance the students' learning experience.

What truly sets the university apart as a legal education provider is that most of our lecturers come from within the industry. By integrating this practical experience into learning, students are able to connect the dots, better understand why their learning matters, and see how their studies will be applied in the real world. The University of Law also invests heavily in teaching and learning, providing students with extensive resources for revision questions and exam practice. The feedback is thorough, enabling students to recognize any gaps in their knowledge and improve their performance in final exams. This also helps develop crucial employability skills, such as communication, teamwork, and presentation. Additionally, the University of Law is diverse and inclusive, with staff and students from all over the world.

Who has influenced you in your journey?

There have been many people along my journey who have shaped who I am today. From the teachers I had in school to the lecturers and tutors at university, as well as the colleagues I worked with in my professional career, I’ve drawn inspiration from various styles, phrases, and approaches. I’ve implemented these creative interventions depending on the situation. Aside from role models, I’ve always been competitive and determined, and coupled with my resilience, these qualities have helped me persevere and see things through to the end.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by success despite adversity. I take pleasure from seeing students excel in their learning and career journey. I am often inspired by the students who balance a multitude of tasks. Some students balance full-time education, along with full-time work, whilst also engaging in caring duties (despite their own health woes). I believe such students are role models and inspirational. Their resilience and determination remind me of the power of perseverance and the impact of dedication, motivating me to continue supporting and encouraging others to reach their potential.

What achievements in your career or personal life are you most proud of?

I am proud of several achievements in both my career and personal life. My career has spanned various industries, including law, accounting, finance, and education. Qualifying as a Solicitor, despite the hurdles I faced, is perhaps my most significant career achievement. From an educational perspective, completing my joint honours LLB degree in Law, Accounting, and Finance with a 2:1 is another highlight. I’m also proud of earning a distinction in my PG Diploma in Careers at the University of Warwick, where I achieved a high mark of 80% in group work.

In my personal life, I’ve won numerous fencing competitions since starting university. My proudest moment came when I won the Warwick National Fencing competition in my first tournament, out of a field of 70 competitors. Additionally, I won several pool and chess competitions before university, despite playing sporadically.

What advice would you like to give to students?

Be organised and prioritise your commitments by identifying what you can do, what you can delegate, and what you should focus on, assigning tasks based on their level of importance. It’s advisable for students to write down all their commitments and allocate a timeframe in which to complete them, setting out SMART objectives.

As a career professional, I often advise students to find a time during the day when they are most mentally agile, typically in the morning, to focus on their studies. Other times, such as in the evening, can be used to unwind and work on their career. Of course, this depends on whether the student is an early bird or a night owl.

Another key tip is to limit procrastination, as it is not your friend. While procrastination is common, it’s important to stay disciplined, avoid distractions, and focus on the task at hand to maximise productivity.

The overall message is to map out your tasks and time with strong planning and organisational skills, while maintaining a good work ethic to work efficiently and effectively.

Fun Fact 

I enjoy cooking, travelling, and playing games. I am also a competitive fencer. 

Kelly Rowney

Tell us about your journey to the University of Law. What inspired you to pursue a career in teaching, and how did you come to be part of the University of Law community?

I started my undergraduate journey with the desire to be a judge or at least a barrister make a change in the world that way. However, during my LLB I fell in love with legal research and critical thinking. When I expressed this, one of my lecturers suggested that I do a PhD in law. Therefore, with a lot of determination on my part, immediately after I graduated with my LLB, I stated a PhD and taught as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, while researching.

It did not take long for me to realise that I loved teaching because it was a great mixture of learning, reading, researching and sharing that with others. I always particularly liked the more challenging subjects because it really required me to know an area of law intimately. After a year, I started to look for something more permanent and saw a Lecturer position at ULaw advertised so I applied immediately. To my surprise, I was
offered the job and have not looked back since. I may not be changing the world as a barrister, but I am at least imparting my knowledge to the next generation of lawyers.

In your view, what makes the University of Law’s environment unique?

ULaw is ultimately unique because of the way its practice-based history and shaped how the university functions now. ULaw comes out of a long history as the College of Law which provided postgraduate education since the 1960s, focused on preparing people for practice. Since gaining university status, the University of Law has retained this same focus, and you can see it even in the undergraduate degree. The Lecturers and the Employability (and Pro Bono) department, alongside the curated teaching materials, are all focused on training lawyers as opposed to only teaching the law as knowledge. I would say this is what makes them unique. Additionally, at least from my experience, the teaching staff contain a very high calibre of trained individuals, made up of lawyers with years of experience in practice and people of have dedicated their lives to the study of law (something that also feels uniquely ULaw).

Who has influenced you in your journey?

I would not say there is any singular person who has influenced me specifically, but a range of small inspiring moments that helped me continue on. Some of those moments include, but are not limited to:

Seeing powerful women in TV and film (real and fictional) such as Judge Judy and Elle Woods was certainly one of the things that drew me towards law. My A Level Law teacher, who told me I would never make a career in law, unquestionably gave me a deep-rooted determination to prove her wrong. My Lecturer in my third year who told me I was a genius, when I suggested mixing a theoretical approach with a critique on Parliamentary Law-making, gave me the self-esteem boost to continue on. Finally, being believed in enough to be hired for the position I have now, was the chance I needed to solidify my academic career, and I will forever be grateful.

What inspires you?

I always struggled at school as I am neurodivergent and often felt forgotten about and destined to under-achieve. When I finished school, I did not have the A-level grades I needed to study law so I started a different degree instead. I spoke to careers about my desire to study law and they said if I passed all my year one subjects, I could swap to law the following year (starting from Year 1 again). I made it but once I was there, I struggled to get more than 60%.

To improve, I went to the staff at my Library and asked if they could help me improve based on the feedback I had received. We spent nearly two hours talking about research tools, essay structure, phrasing and proofreading. I took every word they said to heart and over the Summer I practised. In my second and third years, my grades grew exponentially eventually gaining 80 marks for my undergraduate dissertation.

I guess the moral of the story is that is not always that you do not have what it takes yourself, it’s just that you may not have the tools to do it yet.

What achievements in your career or personal life are you most proud of?

Professionally, I think I am most proud of achieving my LLB. I was in the first generation of my family to go to university and to achieve a first-class honours degree in such a coveted subject area really felt like something that was out of my reach. I imagine, completing my PhD will become my greatest achievement once I manage it but for now, I view my LLB with the greatest level of pride.

Personally, my greatest achievement is probably getting married to my best friend. My husband and I met at university, and he had also started a law degree after trying something else first and then taking a year out. I always keep in mind that if we had both started law right away we probably would never have met or at least would never have sat next to each other in Contract Law. Sometimes it is the bumps in the road that redirect you to exactly where you are supposed to be.

What advice would you like to give to students?

My #1 piece of advice is simple really. Ask questions and do not be afraid to speak up when you are unsure.

It can be daunting to ask questions, but it is so important. In order to get the most out of your degree you need to be asking for help, for advice, for assistance, for feedback. Remember that your Mock and final assessment feedback is not the only feedback available to you. If you ask the right questions, and give every engage task a go, you will be getting constant feedback all of the time on your work, to help you improve.

Personal Quote

“Sometimes it is the bumps in the road that redirect you to exactly where you are supposed to be”.

Kiri Howes

Tell us about your journey to the University of Law. What inspired you to pursue a career in teaching, and how did you come to be part of the University of Law community?

I qualified as a solicitor in a shipping and insurance law firm in London. I then worked for two other corporate firms in London and then Leeds. Whilst I enjoyed life in practice, I was eager to try a new career and develop new skills. I was also looking for a career that accommodated a better work/life balance, as I had two young children by that time. I was attracted by the idea of teaching and teaching law seemed like an obvious career path. I applied to join ‘The College of Law’ in York (as ULaw was then known) and primarily taught on the LPC at the start. Since then, there have been many changes in the University and my teaching skills have become well developed!

In your view, what makes the University of Law’s environment unique?

One of the reasons I love my job is that I have wonderful colleagues and have met many lovely students over the years. I really enjoy meeting the new cohorts every year and getting to know my diverse range of students. I like to think the University has a welcoming and kind atmosphere and I hope that all our students do feel welcomed and embraced. 

Who has influenced you in your journey?

When I started teaching, I learned a lot from my more senior colleagues, who were so helpful and generous with their knowledge, not only on the law, but in giving me advice on some practical teaching skills. In particular, Gemma Shield has been incredibly helpful to me over the years, particularly as we teach similar subjects. She has imparted some essential knowledge on organisation, preparation and marking, which I practice to this day.

What inspires you?

Unbelievably for someone that teaches for a living, I used to dread public speaking! In my life as a practising solicitor I tried to avoid any situation in which I might have to speak in public. I am not entirely sure how I have overcome this- maybe some kind of immersion therapy by teaching for a living! 

I think fear of speaking in public is quite common and I would say to anyone who shares that sort of problem that often the best way of tackling it is to try and face it head on. Put yourself in situations where you have to do it.  It will be scary at first and your knees might be knocking, but you will find quite quickly that it is often all in your head and rarely as bad as you feared!

What achievements in your career or personal life are you most proud of?

I am proud that I have had two successful careers that are quite different from each other. I am proud that I managed to overcome my fear of public speaking. I am also proud that at my ripe old age of… (shhh!) I can still run a marathon!

What advice would you like to give to students?

My advice would be that hard work pays off in the end. You may feel that the lessons and exams will never end, but they will eventually, and you will be glad that you stuck at it and have something to show for it. 

When it comes to jobs, I would also advise students to be thick skinned and tenacious. It can be disheartening and tempting to give up on your dreams but remember that good things come to those who wait!

Nicola Taylor Brown

Tell us about your journey to the University of Law. What inspired you to pursue a career in teaching, and how did you come to be part of the University of Law community?

I have a deep-rooted passion for learning and sharing knowledge. I want to empower others to achieve their goals and being a lecturer allows me that opportunity to help shape students futures. I have always been motivated by helping students to unlock their potential and really guide them towards shaping their critical thinking skills.

I love teaching and I love learning, so I was inspired to become a lecturer when I looked back on my university experience. I always had a lecturer that made me fall in love with the topic, so I realised that I wanted to be that for someone else! I began my journey to becoming a part of the ULaw community with my passion in law, criminology and education and I was encouraged by ULaw’s emphasis on practical, career-focused learning and its excellent reputation, this resonated with me and my teaching philosophy. I think particularly the blended learning approach with a real-world application, which I think is crucial for academic and professional success.

In your view, what makes the University of Law’s environment unique?

ULaw stands out for its unique environment that combines career-focused education with a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion. This supportive and dynamic setting ensures that students from all backgrounds feel valued, empowered, and equipped to excel in their chosen fields. ULaw celebrates diversity, recognising that a varied student body brings unique perspectives and enriches the learning experience. The university actively fosters an inclusive culture, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

I have witnessed firsthand how ULaw’s inclusive environment positively impacts students. For instance, during a group discussion on offender management strategies, a student from a marginalised community shared their personal insights about systemic barriers they had observed in their own country. Their perspective not only enriched the discussion but also fostered deeper understanding among their peers about how diverse lived experiences can inform and challenge academic concepts.

The diversity at ULaw creates a vibrant and global learning community. Students collaborate with peers from various cultural, socioeconomic, and professional backgrounds, enhancing their ability to approach problems with empathy and creativity. This mirrors the diversity they will encounter in professional practice, making ULaw graduates uniquely prepared for the modern workplace.

Who has influenced you in your journey?

I have always been influenced and inspired by other academics, lecturers when I was at university as well as colleagues and mentors throughout my career. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside colleagues who exemplify excellence in teaching and a commitment to student success. Their innovative methods and ability to connect with students have shaped my own teaching style. One mentor, in particular, encouraged me to incorporate interactive and inclusive techniques, emphasising that education must adapt to meet the needs of a diverse student body. However, students have been some of my greatest influencers, their resilience, curiosity, and diverse perspectives constantly inspire me to refine my practice. Most importantly though, my family instilled in me the values of hard work, curiosity, and a desire to make a positive impact. Personal experiences navigating challenges have given me a deep empathy for those overcoming barriers in their education and career, reinforcing my commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

What inspires you?

What inspires me most is seeing the transformative power of education in action and watching students grow in confidence, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals. One particularly memorable experience was supporting a student who struggled with self-doubt after returning to education following a long career break whilst raising a family. Through consistent encouragement they not only excelled in their coursework but also secured a role within The Probation Service, reigniting their passion and purpose.

Challenges have also been a source of inspiration. Early in my career, I encountered a class with a wide range of learning styles, cultural perspectives, and personal challenges. Initially, I struggled to find strategies that engaged everyone effectively, however recognising the need to improve, I sought out training in inclusive teaching practices and began incorporating techniques like group discussions, case studies, and tailored feedback. One breakthrough came when I introduced real-world scenarios into lessons, allowing students to connect theoretical concepts with their own experiences.

This not only increased engagement but also fostered a sense of collaboration and respect among peers. This process helped me grow as a lecturer and reinforced my commitment to creating an inclusive and dynamic learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered.

What achievements in your career or personal life are you most proud of?

One of my most fulfilling achievements was designing and delivering an innovative offender management workshop for early-career professionals. The program incorporated real-world case studies and interactive activities to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Feedback from participants highlighted how the workshop deepened their understanding of offender pathways and enhanced their confidence in applying desistance-based strategies.

On a personal level, I am proud of my role in creating a mentorship program for young people in minority communities (Inspirational YOU). Working alongside local organisations, I helped establish a network that connected professionals with students to provide guidance on education and career planning. Seeing mentees thrive, pursue higher education, or secure jobs was deeply rewarding and reaffirmed my commitment to fostering opportunities for others. Another achievement was completing a demanding professional qualification while balancing work and personal commitments. This experience tested my resilience and time-management skills, and succeeding in it demonstrated the importance of perseverance and discipline in reaching long-term goals.

What advice would you like to give to students?

My advice to students is to embrace their journey with curiosity, resilience, and an open mind.

- Don’t Fear Failure: Mistakes are not the end of your journey but stepping stones to progress. Each challenge you face teaches you something valuable, so approach them with courage and reflection.
- Take Initiative: Be proactive in your learning. Engage with your studies, ask questions, and seek out opportunities to deepen your understanding. Whether it’s joining discussions, attending workshops, or exploring internships, your initiative will set you apart.
- Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with peers, mentors, and educators who encourage and inspire you. Never hesitate to reach out for help—whether academic or personal.
- Balance and Wellbeing Matter: Academic success is important, but so is your mental and physical health. Prioritise self-care and find time for activities that recharge you.
- Believe in Your Growth: You are capable of more than you realize. Stay patient with yourself and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Remember, education is a journey, not a race.

Personal Quote

Be confident in YOUR ability, growth begins when YOU step out of your comfort zone and ask the questions that spark new possibilities.
Never be afraid to ask questions or to say you don’t understand!

Links to Relevant Articles, Publications, or External Work:

Victim or Offender, Is there an overlap?

Brief Explanation of Research