Top award for Northumbria law lecturer

Northumbria Law School lecturer Elaine Campbell has been named joint winner of the ‘Law Teacher of the Year 2016’ category in the Northern Law Awards.

The awards are designed to showcase and celebrate legal talent across the region, and winners had to demonstrate evidence of innovative teaching practices, interest in student development, student satisfaction, student engagement skills, and the ability to enhance student learning experience through scholarly activities.

Elaine has been described as an ‘outstanding law teacher with an ability to excel in a unique and innovative environment which requires a high level of professional commitment’. She uses her professional skills as a qualified lawyer to supervise Masters level students in the Student Law Office business law clinic, where they provide free legal advice to real clients. This form of experiential learning demands a wide range of skills, including the ability to mentor students, provide detailed and supportive feedback, be a professional role model, and supervising live client casework. Elaine has also been recognised in national awards for her innovative and regular use of blogs to offer additional guidance and support to students.

In the nomination one student commented: "During my time within the Student Law Office at Northumbria University, Elaine has helped me to flourish. She always has the time to help anyone with whatever problem they may have, be it related to her role as a tutor or not. Through her mentoring and close supervision not only have I learned so many skills, but she has actually given me the tools to reflect and develop on my own skill set. This is one of the most valuable skills I will take with me from my time working with Elaine.”

At the award’s ceremony held in the Crown Plaza in Newcastle, Elaine was named joint winner alongside Jenny Jarvie from Bishop Auckland College.

Reflecting on her success Elaine said: “I’m immensely thrilled and proud to receive this award.  For my teaching to be recognised in this way is simply fantastic. As teachers, we get the opportunity to help our students realise their full potential - and that’s what makes the job so special.”