Lord Judge to officially open Derby Law School

Right Honourable Lord Judge QC, will officially open the University of Derby’s Law School at One Friar Gate Square on February 29, 2016.

Lord Judge will be holding a short lecture titled ‘Why read Law at University?’.

He said: “Some of my first Court appearances were in the old Derby and Derbyshire Quarter Sessions and I remember them well. So I am very happy to have been invited to open the new premises for Derby Law School at One Friar Gate Square.

“This is a multi-million pound investment by the University into its provision for legal education, which is a real vote of confidence in both its students and the city’s thriving legal community.”

The £20 million striking, copper building in the city was vacant since 2013 when it was first built, until the University started leasing it in May 2015.

The whole building offers 32,000 sq ft spread over six storeys, including: client interview suites, additional modern and well equipped teaching and lecture rooms as well as a fully compliant court room.

Scott Atkins, Acting Head of Law at the University of Derby, said: “I am delighted and honoured that Lord Judge is coming to Derby to open the University's new premises for Derby Law School. He will be able to witness first-hand the investment the University has made for the benefit of its students and see the latest teaching facilities that we are able to offer.”

LLB student Imagin Shore, who has been studying at the University’s Law School, said: “As well as the University providing us with a brand new building, we have also been provided with fantastic new facilities, which have enabled us to establish our own professional identity as young, academic lawyers.

“We are also able to gain a realistic insight into the legal working world by undertaking our practical assessments in environments such as the courtroom and client interview suites.

“I particularly enjoy studying at the University of Derby because of the lecturers. Each lecturer is enthusiastic, approachable and accessible. Ensuring that each student strives to achieve the best they possibly can, which has helped me to increase my confidence and acknowledge my level of capability.

“Although a law degree is very intense and entails a lot of hard-work, the Law School also ensures that we have fun by arranging networking events, guest lectures and social occasions such as the Law Ball.”