Nottingham Law School trains Oman’s lawyers of the future
A bespoke course designed to enhance key legal skills of trainee lawyers in Oman has celebrated its first graduation. Students undertook complex and challenging practical studies at Nottingham Law School, part of Nottingham Trent University in the UK.
The Diploma in Professional Skills for International Lawyers is a comprehensive programme designed to equip trainees for practice and to enable them to play a greater role on the world stage.
It was developed and delivered by Nottingham Law School in partnership with the Ministry of Justice in Oman to provide students with a unique opportunity to experience legal practice in a common law jurisdiction within an international setting.
The first group of 20 students were sponsored by the Omani National Training Fund to undertake the training in Nottingham. The students, who were all recent graduates or trainees, have now returned to full-time legal positions in Oman.
During their studies the students undertook workshops in case analysis, research, client interviewing, negotiation, advocacy and drafting.
As part of the programme, they also took part in competitive moots, mediations, arbitrations and a full trial relating to a commercial dispute. They networked with eminent visiting Faculty, including members of the judiciary and high-profile barristers and solicitors.
The group also undertook training in NLS Legal – a multi-award winning ‘teaching’ law firm – where they worked with real life clients on legal cases.
The course included visits to the criminal law courts in Nottingham, the High Court and Supreme Court in London, and a trip to Berlin as part of Nottingham Law School’s international summer school programme, which provided a unique opportunity to study pressing issues in international criminal justice.
Dean of Nottingham Law School, Professor Janine Griffiths-Baker, said: “Drawing on the expertise of colleagues across the university, and nationally and internationally, we were able to expose these students to a new and different set of skills and knowledge.
“The students embraced every learning opportunity provided to them, demonstrating their commitment to serving Oman and its people as hard-working, fair-minded, creative-thinking and skilful lawyers.”
The Diploma awards were presented at a graduation ceremony in Oman by Professor Cillian Ryan, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of College at Nottingham Trent University, with a welcome from Professor Janine Griffiths-Baker and a vote of thanks from His Excellency Issa bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Azri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice.
The next cohort of students from Oman on this programme are due to start at Nottingham Law School in the Autumn of 2019.