High profile names in law visit mock courtroom

Published

12 April 2022

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan spoke to University of East London (UEL) students and volunteers at the Legal Advice Centre (LAC) commenting on how important the LAC was to the local community and how students should get involved. He said, "The outreach and volunteering programmes UEL runs, like the Legal Advice Centre, are warmly received by local residents, and give students the chance to interact with local neighbours. It brings together people from all walks of life, backgrounds and faiths."

The Mayor of London also unveiled a plaque for the Mock Court Room. The space will allow students to see how a real courtroom works.

Competition Winners Ruqsana Begum and Sumayya Munim of the recent Court Room Drama received Winner Certificates on stage.

Karren Brady, Sadiq Khan (Mayor of London), Amanda Broderick

Vice chancellor and president, Professor Amanda Broderick introducing the event said, "In line with our 2028 vision and strategy, here at the UEL we want our students to be career-ready - to move seamlessly from study to the world of work.

We prepare them to have influence, experience and vision, ensuring they can shape the business and legal world of the future for the benefit of all."

Dean of the Royal Docks School of Business & Law (RDSBL), Professor Mohammad Ali said, "It was really empowering for students to see high profile names in the legal world who come from diverse backgrounds and hear about their journey in law. We hope that the new mock court room and LAC provide a great foundation for students to move seamlessly from the world of study to their chosen vocation."

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In addition, president of the Criminal Bar Association, Jo Sidhu QC with the first British Bangladeshi female judge HHJ Khatun Sapnara and Imran Khan QC (former UEL alumni) visited the Mock Court Room and remarked on how invaluable the space would be to future law students.

Director of the Legal Advice Centre Saadiya Ahmad said, "The LAC were honoured to showcase our law spaces at the inaugural event held at USS on 29 March. The Court Room and Legal Advice Centre provide our students with the practical skills they need to build a foundation in their chosen professions. Respected names in the legal profession hugely inspired our students by talking to them and giving them the confidence that they can break any barriers they come up against."

Earlier in March, the LAC hosted Stephanie Boyce, president of the Law Society who came and spoke to students about her journey in law and inspired students to aim for their dreams. Stephanie Boyce is the 177th, the sixth female, the first person of colour and the second in-house solicitor in almost fifty years to become president of the Law Society of England and Wales. She told students, "One of my top tips would be to never ever give up, that every door is open if you PUSH: Persevere Until Something Happens."

The LAC was recently awarded training provider status by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. The first trainee solicitor appointment was Nurun Choudhury, an alumni student and LAC volunteer.

Hear Nurun's story below: