Jack Straw was Home Secretary under Tony Blair from 1997 to 2001; Foreign Secretary from 2001 to 2006 and then Justice Secretary/Lord Chancellor from 2007 to 2010 under Gordon Brown. 

The member of Parliament for Blackburn for 36 years until 2015, he was only one of three individuals to have served in Cabinet continuously during the Labour governments from 1979 to 2010.

In this wide ranging interview with journalist Frances Gibb, Jack Straw talks about the current issues facing the justice system, current foreign affairs and how he spends his time now.

"The Lord Chancellors: Where Politics meets Justice” is a video podcast series launched by The University of Law and hosted by the journalist Frances Gibb. 

It will examine the ancient post of Lord Chancellor, which is now combined with the role of Justice Secretary. The position holds the delicate balance of power between the judiciary and the executive, with special responsibility for maintaining the rule of law. 

The podcast series comes after last year’s successful first series, "The Judges: Power, Politics and the People", also available on all major podcast streaming platforms.

In this episode, recent alumnus Ben Weisz is joined by Leah Vaghela, co-founder of My Law Solicitors and a specialist in employment law. Leah studied her LLB and LPC at the University.

Leah discusses the reasons behind setting up her own firm, managing her career whilst raising children, and how sitting down for an extra hour with a client can sometimes be the answer to winning a case. 

A senior politician and former Justice Secretary, Michael Gove, delivers a blistering attack on the whole criminal justice system as badly managed - from the police service through to the courts. 

Michael Gove's comments come in an interview on our new podcast series, “The Lord Chancellors: Where Politics meets Justice” hosted by journalist Frances Gibb.

It will examine the ancient post of Lord Chancellor, which is now combined with the role of Justice Secretary. The position holds the delicate balance of power between the judiciary and the executive, with special responsibility for maintaining the rule of law. 

The new podcast series comes after last year’s successful first series, “The Judges: Power, Politics and the People".  

In this episode, LLB student Alex Gill talks with Psychology lecturer Dr Jonny Dudley who shares his journey into the field of forensic psychology. 

Jonny shares insight into his previous studies and work within the prison system and what he learnt through the experience; explains what forensic psychology is all about; and the advice he would give students interested in studying psychology, the transferable skills to be gained and career paths available.

When he was Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer was responsible for ushering in constitutional reforms that abolished the role of Lord Chancellor as head of the judiciary; set up a Supreme Court and a judicial appointments commission. The changes were hugely controversial at the time - not least because judges were not consulted on them in advance. 

Lord Falconer’s comments come in an interview on our new podcast series, “The Lord Chancellors: Where Politics meets Justice” hosted by journalist Frances Gibb.

It will examine the ancient post of Lord Chancellor, which is now combined with the role of Justice Secretary. The position holds the delicate balance of power between the judiciary and the executive, with special responsibility for maintaining the rule of law. 

The new podcast series comes after last year’s successful first series, “The Judges: Power, Politics and the People". 

In this episode, LPC/SQE Programme & Student Lead, Elizabeth Farrell, is joined by LLM student Andy Lee who shares his experience of studying for the SQE 1 exam having passed with one of the highest scores. 

Andy discusses the structure of the exams, his preparation, what he learnt from the process and advice he would give to students beginning their SQE studies.

In celebration of Dyslexia Awareness Month, in this episode Student Learning Development Manager for neurodiversity, Ruth Le Duc, is joined by Senior Lecturer Andrew Grice, who shares his story to becoming an entrepreneur and lecturer, and provides some tips and key learning resources. 

Despite leaving school early and eventually getting a diagnosis for dyslexia when he was an adult, Andrew returned to academia and now advocates for more awareness around neurodivergence so education can be accessible for everyone.

In this episode, Mental Health Advisor Jessica Massie is joined by LLB student Susana Kyei, who shares her experience as an international student. 

Despite initial nerves, Susana joined multiple societies and founded the Women in Suits Society, which celebrates women in law. Susana reflects on moving to a new country, managing her studies, making friends and why you should always go for it.

In this episode, Head of Pro Bono Amanda Crutchley is joined by SQE student Andrew Lee to discuss obtaining qualifying work experience (QWE).

Andrew and Amanda talk about what QWE entails and share advice and tips on securing work experience and what to expect when applying.

In this episode, Clubs and Society coordinator Emily Lewis is joined by BPC student Joy Elson, who currently works as a Legally Qualified Disability Advocate for social enterprise, PIP Professionals. 

Joy shares her journey to studying law, achieving the Anthony Walker and CPS Scholarships, and how this inspired her to a career in law and promoting diversity and inclusion.