Jon
Carter-Lang

Jon is a Legal Counsel at the Police Federation of England and Wales. He studied LLB Law (2021) and LLM Master of Law (2024) at NTU.

What was your experience studying at NTU?

Studying Law at NTU was one of the most rewarding things I have done. I completed my LLB and later my LLM while working full-time, which required discipline and careful time management, but staying back late after work and spending weekends studying was worthwhile. My original motivation was practical. After being elected as a Police Federation representative, I wanted to understand the statutory and legal framework for representing police officers. I also wanted to become a better investigator by understanding police powers and how to apply them fairly and effectively. As I became more involved in representing colleagues in conduct, performance and discrimination matters, I saw how a legal education could help me support them. What began as a way to become a better police officer and representative gradually developed into a genuine interest in the law. I particularly valued NTU’s practical approach and its focus on how legal principles apply in real situations.

What did you learn – both inside and outside of lectures? 

Looking back, I value how the degree broadened my horizons. I did not begin with a plan to become a solicitor, but my studies opened opportunities I had not previously considered. A decision made to improve my effectiveness as an officer and representative ultimately led to a legal career and the opportunity to lead a legal department temporarily within a national organisation.

What is your current role and what does it involve?

I am Legal Counsel at the Police Federation of England and Wales and currently lead the General Counsel’s Office on a temporary basis. I advise senior leaders and boards on legal risk, governance, regulatory compliance, organisational change and professional standards. My work covers governance and constitutional matters, complaints, litigation, regulatory issues and organisational reform. I also draw on experience as a charity Chair, trustee and non-executive director. I am developing a particular interest in data protection, privacy and AI governance and am studying for the CIPP/E qualification.

What challenges have you faced?

One of the main challenges was balancing study with a full-time career. When I started my LLB, I was still a fully operational police response officer working a 24/7 shift pattern. At times I was combining demanding policing and representative roles with an LLB and later an LLM to study for the SQE. Changing careers after more than twenty-one years in policing also meant stepping outside my comfort zone and beginning a new professional journey. Careful planning, persistence and support from those around me, especially my family whose support was invaluable, helped me to keep moving forward. The experience taught me that careers rarely follow a straight line and that it is never too late to pursue a different direction.

What have been the highlights and biggest challenges of your career so far?

Qualifying as a solicitor is one of the main highlights of my career. I am also particularly proud of chairing Flint House Police Rehabilitation, a national police charity, for four years. The role gave me invaluable insight into corporate and Board governance, strategic leadership and organisational decision-making. Other highlights include serving as a National Board Member of the Police Federation of England and Wales, leading governance improvements and progressing into legal practice. The recurring challenge has been taking on opportunities that initially felt beyond my experience. In practice, those moments have often led to the greatest development.

What advice would you give to students on securing a job after graduation?

Focus on developing transferable skills, building relationships and remaining willing to learn. Be reliable, curious and open to opportunities when they arise.

One lesson I have taken from my experience is that your starting point does not define where you can go. When I began studying law, I simply wanted to represent colleagues more effectively and understand the legal framework in which I worked. I did not expect it to lead to qualification as a solicitor and a new career. The experience has reinforced the value of lifelong learning, remaining open to opportunity and not placing unnecessary limits on yourself.

View Jon's LinkedIn profile.