James
Spencer

Why did you choose NTU and Nottingham Law School?

I heard of positive things about NTU through my brother, who completed his undergraduate studies there. In my research, I knew that Nottingham Law School (NLS) was one of the best law schools in the country.

One feature that particularly stood out was its teaching law firm NLS Legal, or as it then was, the Nottingham Law School Legal Advice Centre. The prospect of volunteering there during my studies was very appealing to me, and weighed heavily in my decision to choose NLS for my studies.

Finally, I heard that, more broadly, NTU provided a range of opportunities for prospective students to become involved with, such as its societies, good facilities to enable learning, its employability services and looking after its students through student services. I felt these qualities were important to a positive learning environment and reassured me that I would be able to succeed, regardless of any challenges that might occur.

Why did you choose postgraduate study at NTU?

The reason I chose my postgraduate studies at NTU was because of my positive experiences of being an NTU student. I enjoyed my studies of my undergraduate’s degree; the friends I made were second to none, the support from NLS’s tutors for academic, professional and personal matters was exceptional, and I enjoyed the range of extracurricular activities to be involved with.

In my case, this was my volunteering with NLS Legal and the NLS Mooter’s Guild. Furthermore, I took up a job at NTU Employability, working as an Employability Mentor. In an environment where I felt at home, choosing NTU for me was the obvious and best choice.

What inspired you to study law?

My interest in law stems back to my growing up in the United States and living over there for fourteen years. As an immigrant, I was particularly interested in the differences between federal and state law, how these would conflict at times and the uniqueness of the United States’ governing system.

Moving back to the United Kingdom, my interest in law continued, appreciating the difference between the legal systems of its constituent countries and contrasted more broadly when compared to the United States.

What also fuelled in my interest in the law is my concurrent interest in politics and how elections can often shape the type of laws that we live under. This is an experience that most people can relate to and, having lived in two different countries, was particularly relevant to my circumstances.

Given this longstanding interest, studying law provided me an opportunity to find out more about different areas of law and enable me to use that knowledge to help people.

What do you enjoy about your course?

What I enjoyed most about my course was the opportunity to learn the law in an institution that is dedicated to a positive and diverse learning environment.

It was rewarding every day when being on campus having conversations with fellow students and lecturers about the law and hearing different interpretations and views. Finally, I appreciated all the opportunities for a law student to get involved with.

How would you promote NTU to potential students in 10 words or fewer?

A friendly, inclusive and supportive university dedicated to its students.

What do you think Nottingham Law School has given you above and beyond a qualification?

It has helped make me fit in when I was unsure where I belonged; it made me appreciate how much I enjoy the law and that my career will be law-adjacent. I have learned so much about the law, how much it impacts our day to day lives, the difference between the various types of legal professionals, including barristers, solicitors, paralegals etc. In understanding the law to the extent that I do, I know that choosing the courses that I studied vindicated my decision to study them.

I have also learned so much about different people from all walks of life, seeing how the diversity in our society enriches our culture for all the right reasons. In that, I have made some really close friends and gained several mentors who have positively influenced me. Even the people whom I am not as close to have made me a better person.

What I am most proud of is that NLS has allowed me to be the best version of myself, allowing me to grow as a person, to learn about my strengths and weaknesses. Most importantly, no matter what obstacle that has come my way; I have learned to overcome them, with the support of a wide range of people who have been there for me no matter what.

NLS’s vibrant community and genuine commitment to supporting and encouraging students throughout their journey has reinforced the feeling I am truly being empowered to reach my full potential.

A piece of advice, a standout memory, or something that your friends would say about you?

In 2023, I was informed that I would be awarded the Nottingham Law School Dean’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community for the assistance I provided to Nottingham Law School with its Open Days, Extra Curricula Lectures, the NTU Law Society and the wider student community, including with the Mooter’s Guild.

This was a proud moment for me as I never expected to receive this award and it was a tremendous honour to be recognised for all the work I did.

I also had the opportunity to deliver the student vote of thanks for my graduating group, which I was invited to do by NLS’s Deputy Dean. This was also an amazing privilege, one that I was deeply humbled to be invited to do.

Standing up in front of the graduating students, their invited guests and the attending lecturers, celebrating the accomplishments of the students, acting as their ambassador in the moment was for me a really special memory, which I will always cherish.

The advice I would give to prospective students is to always be willing to put yourself forward for opportunities, even if you are hesitant to do so. It’s not easy, but the feeling of accomplishing trying something new out is greatly rewarding.

My next step will be to undertake a PhD at NTU; my Master’s degree has inspired me to become an academic and with the support of the community, I am confident of my success.