At the annual ALT Conference 2017, UWE Law staff were well represented and gave a number of well received papers. The conference themes focussed on learning, teaching, assessment, clinics, and wellbeing of lawyers and law teachers and students. Michael Mansfield QC gave the keynote address.
Rachel Wood, who is secretary of the ALT, and Marcus Keppel-Palmer gave a paper looking at the challenges of assessing reflection, and whether strict criteria reduce the authenticity of the experience. The paper was attended by a large audience and prompted reflection amongst attendees on their own experience.
Kathy Brown and Zainab Khan contributed to a session about the work of the African Prisons Project, drawing on their recent visits to Kenya and Uganda, working with prisoners who are studying for law degrees, and also assisting prisoners seeking to challenge unconstitutional laws. Both spoke movingly about case work that they had undertaken.
Laura Walker gave a paper reflecting on her ongoing research she is undertaking with Caroline Strevens (Portsmouth University) into the wellbeing of staff engaged in pro bono clinic activity, research which shows at this early stage that such staff are more resilient and enjoy a greater satisfaction than corresponding University teaching staff.
The ALT Conference 2018 will be held at Keele University, and any law staff wishing to join the ALT should contact Rachel Wood.