Top appointment for law academic

Northumbria Law School academic Paul McKeown has been appointed as President of the influential European Network for Clinical Legal Education (ENCLE).

His appointment reflects Northumbria’s reputation as a leading provider of practice-based learning for law students.

ENCLE is a European network committed to achieving justice through education. With more than 150 members from over 30 countries, it brings together institutions and academics from different countries who work collaboratively to promote justice and increase the quality of law teaching through Clinical Legal Education (CLE).

Associate Professor and Director of the Student Law Office at Northumbria, Paul has been on the Board of ENCLE since its inception in 2013. In his new role he will help to set the direction of the organisation and promote CLE over the next two years.

Paul said: “My appointment is an honour for me, but it is also international recognition of the contribution Northumbria makes to the values and benefits of clinical legal education – both for our students and for the clients they help. We have one of the largest student law offices in the UK, enriching the learning experience and career prospects of our students and helping often vulnerable clients who would otherwise have little or no access to justice when they need it. I hope through my tenure I can help encourage greater use of CLE, not only across Europe but more globally as well.”

Paul also believes his appointment will help Northumbria and other UK universities and law schools retain strong links in Europe despite the ongoing uncertainties of Brexit. He added: “ENCLE is a prestigious organisation, and to be part of such a strong network in Europe will help UK members maintain close relationships with international partners in the wake of Brexit. Access to such a network could also lead to greater collaboration, allowing UK institutions to share in research funding for academics and overseas study opportunities for students.”

Northumbria is acknowledged as having one of the most active and pioneering student law offices, where final year students undertake free legal work on behalf of real clients. In the last 10 years alone, the service has represented over 2,500 clients recovering over £1.5 million.

In 2014 Northumbria was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize for the community work of the Student Law Office.