Meet the judges
Our judges for our competition come from a range of backgrounds, and are a mixture of current students from The University of Law, staff members and legal professionals, many of whom are also Alumni of The University of Law. From global business leaders, eminent QC’s and entrepreneurs to members of parliament and social campaigners, our alumni are the best proof of the quality of our teaching and training.
Our innovative teaching and strong links with law firms, chambers and professional bodies across the world means that we will support you to make your aspirations a reality, as can be seen by our alumni, with many offering their expertise, perspectives and insights into the legal sector.
Our alumni were once where you are now and have gone on to successful careers in organisations such as Facebook, the United Nations and Magic Circle law firms.
Lawyer and Project Coordinator at Deutsche Bank
Chris Miller
Chris Miller is a lawyer and project coordinator at leading multi-national investment bank, Deutsche Bank AG based in Berlin, covering negotiation and digitalisation of contracts, financial derivatives contract data and reviewing and negotiation processes for legal documentation. An alumnus at ULaw, he also holds an MSc Business Management and Project Management as well as a MA Intelligence and Strategic Studies, both from Aberystwyth University. Chris has written on politics, history and security issues for The Guardian, the Atlantic, and Small Wars Journal, and other publications.
DWRM Consultants
Ruth McFarlane
Ruth is a highly driven and enthusiastic expert in prison education, with a strong reputation for her specialist knowledge and her caring, people-centred approach to her work. She has taught in prisons, has a Master’s degree in online and distance education, and is director of DWRM, a social enterprise supporting higher education in prisons, as well as a Visiting Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Law.
Director of Employability, University of Law
John Watkins
John joined University of Law in the Summer of 2015 as a Director of Employability. He has responsibility for supporting students as they consider their career options and navigate recruitment processes as well as ensuring that academic learning is complemented by enhancement of the skills demanded by employers. John is Chair of his local Cricket Club and a Governor at a Girls Independent School.
Campus Dean, University of Law
Zoe King
Zoe worked as a solicitor in a large commercial firm in Bristol before moving to the University of Law as a tutor teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses and courses for trainee solicitors. Subsequently she was Programme and Student Lead for the Undergraduate course and the Graduate Diploma in Law, teaching Contract Law, Academic and Professional Skills and Transactions. She became the Campus Dean for the Bristol and Exeter campuses in 2017.
Legal Counsel, Corporate Functions, the Co-op
Shelbey Whitehouse
A commercial lawyer specialising in IT and third party supplier contracts. Joined the Co-op in 2006 after practising Corporate/Commercial law in private practice since qualification.
The Legal Boost, University of Law
Darren Broad
Darren Broad is a second year law student at the University of Law campus in Bristol. Outside of university, he works part time as a supervisor for Lush Cosmetics and is a Cadet Flight Sergeant in the RAF Air Cadets. He also enjoys pro-bono work, and has been a volunteer advocate for the Bristol law centre since May 2020 working on personal independence payment appeals.
General Counsel, Food and Ventures, the Co-op
Gill Gardner
A corporate law Partner in private practice specialising in mergers and acquisitions until 2015. Joined Co-op as the first Council Secretary, a new governance post after the Co-op’s governance and began current role in 2019.
Legal Counsel, Food, the Co-op
Vicky Lowe
Vicky has worked at the Co-op for 5 years, providing support mainly to the Food business. Vicky previously worked for Pets at Home and before that spent 11 years working in private practice.