From 2-9 November 2019, Fran Ridout, Elle Gillespie and Tom MacManus, visited Port of Spain to promote Queen Mary Law School. Activities included a lecture on Brexit, a drop-in session for potential students, high school visits across the country, meeting with local lawyers and professionals, and a student exchange with the Hugh Wooding Law School (UWE).
The team visited five high school and spoke to about 65 students to highlight the broad benefits of University, studying in London and specifically the Queen Mary undergraduate programmes in Law. Most of the students were very engaged and had many questions about potential studies at Queen Mary.
Two Queen Mary LAC students, Alexandra Tanase and Idhil Jama, took part in a week of work experience at the prestigious Hugh Wooding Law School (this is one of two law schools that all Caribbean lawyers need to attend at some point to practice locally). Fran, Elle and Tom met with staff multiple times, including the Principal where we agreed that the student exchange include a reciprocal agreement to host two UWE law students in London. The two LAC students who took part in the exchange participated in multiple clinics, went on a visit to the family courts (where a QMUL alumna, Naz Ali, was presiding) and attended a trial advocacy class led by a Trinidadian High Court Judge. They were interviewed for Hugh Wooding Law School social media and wrote a piece for the student newspaper.
The academic highlight of the week was the alumni drinks reception followed by a lecture at The Hyatt, Port of Spain. Dr MacManus spoke to an audience of 30 on the subject of Brexit. The audience consisted of QMUL School of Law alumni and High Wooding Law School staff and students, as well as one or two additional local attorneys. There was a lively Q&A session afterwards and a reception followed continuing the debate and to catch up with Alumni.
The team also hosted a drop in session for prospective students, met with local attorneys and spent time with the British Council.