LSBU Student Law Society
The LSBU Student Law Society provides a fantastic way for all our Law students to augment their learning outside of lectures and seminarsIt is run by a team of elected volunteers from our legal courses, and organises a series of events throughout the year. These include visit from guest speakers, moots, visits to law courts and legal institutions and networking opportunities.
In addition, the society publishes an magazine, published twice a year, that carries interviews with lawyers, academics and employers as well as keeping members up to date with what events the Society has planned for the months ahead.
High-profile speakers
Our fabulous location in the centre of London, combined with the excellent reputation of our Law degrees and the graduates we produce, has helped the Student Law Society to secure some very high-profile guest speakers. In 2013 Lady Hale, the UK's most senior female Supreme Court judge, gave a talk to LSBU Student Law Society members, who were also able to meet her during a drinks reception. She also gave an exclusive interview to Devil's Advocate where she passes on some of the benefits of her considerable experience.
Others to have visited include Sir Andrew McFarlane (Lord Ordinary of Appeal), General David Howell (former Director General of Army Legal Services), Lord Reed (Lord Justice of the Supreme Court of UK) and Alistair Graham of Mayer brown LLP (Litigator of the year 2008).
Increasing knowledge and employability
Much of the LSBU Student Law Society's work centres on increasing the knowledge and employability of its members. As well as the talks that it organises, it also runs internal mooting competitions which give students invaluable courtroom experience and can often open doors for future employment. In 2013, the society held a mooting competition against the South London Law Society, which was presided over by Mr Justice Silber, a High Court Judge. Some of the students who took part were awarded work placements in recognition of their achievements, while there were also plenty of networking opportunities.
Improving legal skills
The Law Society often works closely with the Division of Law, and recently unveiled the Street Law programme. It takes law into schools and colleges to help the students there understand everyday legal matters and the potential ramifications of breaking the law. The initiative helps the students to give something back to the local community at the same time as improving their own legal skills and increasing their employability.
The society also organises social functions and does work for charity. In 2013, a 25-strong team took part in the London Legal Walk (a 10km walk taking in some of London's legal landmarks). In total, over £575,000 was raised by the 7,500 participants.