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Celebrating excellence. This year's graduate awards.

Norman Phillips presents Lewis Graham with the Debbie Phillips award for Best Student in the 3rd Year LLB Single Honours Programme, an award the Phillips' family sponsors in their daughter's name.

Alice Ratcliffe becomes the first recipient of the new award for Best Student Volunteer in the Law Clinic.

Head of School, Professor Joanne Conaghan with The University's Chancellor, the Right Honourable the Baroness Hale of Richmond

Press release issued: 26 July 2016

The Law School wishes to congratulate the graduating class of 2016. This year saw 85% of graduates achieving a 2.1 or above.

Each year the Law School recognises those students who went above and beyond during their time studying at the University.  This year more students than ever before achieved a first-class degree, making for tough competition in achieving an award for excellence.  

Head of School, Professor Joanne Conaghan commented; “We are dedicated to cultivating an environment where students flourish as critical thinkers that value knowledge for its own sake and for its ability to enrich lives and communities.  It is a proud moment to see so many of our exceptionally talented and highly motivated students going on to excel. We know you’ll do well and wish you all the very best for your future! ”

This year's prize winners were:

  • Serena Crawshay-Williams, for Best Student in Employment Law
  • Cassie Blower, for Best Student in EU Law
  • Bryony Gold, for Best Student in Company Law
  • Catherine Burke, for Best Student in IT Law
  • Mark Gillis, for Best MA Performance
  • James Stunt, for Best 2nd Year MA Performance
  • Dominic Dickenson, Benny Santoso and William Merry who each received an award for Best Final Year Research Project, a category sponsored by leading law firm, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP
  • Rosa Shand, Shoosmiths prize for the 2nd or 3rd year student who has shown an outstanding contribution to the law school

This year also saw Alice Ratcliffe become the first recipient of the new award for Best Student Volunteer in the Law Clinic - and Lewis Graham received the prestigious Debbie Phillips award for Best Student in the 3rd Year LLB Single Honours Programme.

Debbie Phillips' parents were at the ceremony to present the award set up in their daughter's name. Debbie Phillips graduated in 1983 and was awarded a First Class degree in Law with the highest mark ever recorded at the School. Sadly, Debbie died from cancer in 2010, aged 48. The Law School is honoured that Pauline and Norman continue to support the School and its students. 

This years' graduates will be the last to receive their degrees from the Right Honourable Baroness Hale of Richmond who is retiring from her role as the University's Chancellor later this year and stepping down after 13 years as ceremonial head of the University.

Professor Conaghan thanked Lady Hale for her dedication to the Law School during her time as Chancellor.

"Lady Hale is the UK's most senior female judge, one of the UK's 12 Law Lords and the only woman ever to hold such a position. She is also the Deputy President of the Supreme Court. She has been a true inspiration to both students and staff and we are immensely grateful for the support she has given all of us in the Law School. Thank you."

During her time as Chancellor, Lady Hale has presided over 67 degree ceremonies, and personally spoken to more than 16,500 graduating students. More recently, she’s flown to China to congratulate 350 new graduates in Beijing. 

Lady Hale is known for her friendliness at graduations and, when students cross the stage to have their degree formally conferred, she won’t let go of their hand until she’s seen them smile.

This year, Law School students had much to smile about.

Further information

A selection of photos will shortly be available on our flickr page. There is also lots of advice for new graduates on the University website, including how to update your details so that we can help you throughout your career.  

 

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