Committee report 2001-02
At the Annual General Meeting in Durham last year we were pleased to welcome three new committee members, Michael Jefferson, Barry Harwood and Richard Mays. Their contribution has been appreciated in what has been a busy year for the Association. On behalf of the membership I would also like to thank all of the committee who do so much to make the Association a success.
Barry Harwood has taken over the job of membership secretary from Christopher Harwood, who performed the task with admirable patience and efficiency for some years.Our thanks to Chris for his efforts on our behalf.
The Association has represented the interests of its members at a number of meetings and events during the year including the Lord Chancellor's Standing Conference on Legal Education. Our responses to the consultation document on quality assurance in higher education and to the Law Society consultation on the training framework have recently been included in the Bulletin. Quality assurance in FE colleges and 6th forms has also been the subject of discussion. Measures have been taken to improve our website so that information can be disseminated promptly.Our programme of events has included the following:
The Upjohn Lecture: the Law Commission and judicial law reform
This took place on 22 May 2001 at the Inns of Court School of Law and was delivered by Professor Hugh Beale, a leading academic and member of the Law Commission. The lecture examined the role of the Law Commission and discussed proposals that have led to changes in the law. Professor Beale invited comments on the part, if any, the Law Commission could play in suggesting change in areas traditionally the province of the judiciary, such as liability for economic loss and tort. An enjoyable and stimulating occasion for those able to attend.
The 2001 LERP workshop
This workshop was hosted on behalf of the Legal Education Research Project (LERP) by Professor Pat Leighton at the University of Glamorgan in July 2001. It examined research methods with the emphasis on participants working together to develop and improve research skills. Both qualitative and quantitative research was looked at and sessions included the opportunity to design questionnaires, practice interview techniques and develop the skills necessary for research findings analysis. In true ALT style the hard work put in by everyone was suitably rewarded with a trip round Cardiff Bay and a meal in a local restaurant.
One day conference: Engaging with first year law undergraduates
This took place at Butterworths, Chancery Lane in September 2001 and was organised by John Hindmoor from the University of Central Lancashire. Topics included enhancing student motivation and engagement through assessment and there was an opportunity to consider the preliminary results of a questionnaire survey on issues facing first year law students. The conference was a successful sequel to an earlier conference on student retention also organised by John Hindmoor.
Annual conference: Marking the past, assessing the future
The 2002 annual conference (37th) took place at the University of Greenwich in March. A full programme was on offer with contributions from a number of eminent speakers including Lord Goldsmith, the Attorney General, and Professor Roger Brownsword of Sheffield University. Provision was made for special streams run by the Commonwealth Legal Education Association and the UK Centre for Legal Education. Papers covered a wide range of topics and provided something of interest to everyone. Social events included a trip on the river and the annual dinner in the Painted Hall.
Finally, I would like to thank my fellow committee members for their support over the past 12 months and pass on my good wishes to Brian Pillans, the incoming Chairman.
Pam Carter
Chair, 2001-2002
