Northumbria law society goes from strength to strength

Northumbria University law student and President of the Grey (Law) Society, has been nominated for Best Law Society President in the Lawcareers.net awards which are created especially for future lawyers.

Hayden Richards, who is currently studying his fourth year of MLaw Exempting, has been a member of the Grey Society committee for the past three years.

The Grey Society is one of the largest and oldest societies at the University with 320 members. It is a course based society, offering a range of opportunities including social and charity events, pro-bono work, tutor sessions, guest lecturers and networking opportunities.

When asked about his nomination Hayden said: “I feel honoured to be nominated for the award; it came as a big shock. The nomination shows that the Society is being recognised by employers and is competing with some of the best Universities with the other nominations in the category coming from Warwick, Kings College London and Manchester, who are all seen as top law schools.”

One recent initiative of the Society is the Laws and Actions Within Schools (LAWS) project, which sees secondary school students invited to attend workshops that help teach them about law and what a law degree at Northumbria can offer them.

The programme introduces some of the skills and knowledge required to study law at university through practical sessions such as a mock trial, advocacy, and mooting, as well as visits to local courts. There are also opportunities to experience other aspects of university life at Northumbria.

James Gray, Principal Lecturer at Northumbria Law School said: “The school pupils gain a great insight into life at university and also learn about the law by taking part in some of the same activities as law students. The law students involved have really taken the initiative. They have organised the whole project and delivered the sessions themselves. Clearly, this not only says a great deal about their abilities but also their willingness to contribute to the wider Newcastle community of which Northumbria is part.”

This year, the programme of ten workshops is being offered to Whitley Bay High School. Ian Clark, Sixth Form Enrichment Coordinator at the school said: “We are delighted that we have been able to offer this opportunity to students as part of their Enrichment programme.

"We are thankful to James Gray and Northumbria University for making it possible; providing our students with a range of workshops to give them a fantastic experience of what it is like to study law at Northumbria. This is one of several activities we have been able to develop with Northumbria University for the benefit of our students and we look forward to continuing this link in the future.”

One of the Society’s most successful events is the Law, Accounting and Finance networking event. The event sees 150 members from both the Grey Society and the Accounting and Finance Society come together in one venue to meet professionals from law and accountancy firms in the region.

Hayden, who is due to graduate this summer said: “It has been an unforgettable four years here at Northumbria and I think my final year has been the best so far. As well as my involvement in the Society, I’ve also been able to work in the Student Law Office (SLO) this year, working with real clients who really care about what happens. The SLO gives you more practical experience and opportunities to make connections with local firms. I definitely made the right choice to come to Northumbria and I’m looking to stay in the region once I graduate.”

Hayden will be attending the finals of the Lawcareers.net awards on 26th March in London. To find out more about studying law at Northumbria visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/law