Learning in Law Annual Conference 2010: Perspectives on progress

29-30 January 2010, University of Warwick

The 2010 conference incorporated a number of innovations, including slidecasts of selected sessions and the introduction of LILACnet, a combined wiki and social network. The keynote address was streamed live, and the conference also saw the première of Back to the (academic) future, UKCLE’s 10th anniversary film, part of our Visions of legal education session and resources.

Learning in law 2010 refreshed my enthusiasm for teaching

Visit the papers archive for all the full papers and slides

Focusing on the theme of ‘Perspectives on progress’ the 2010 conference was an opportunity during UKCLE’s 10th year both to reflect on how far legal education has come in the past decade and also to consider what might lie ahead.

Aaron Porter launched this debate in his keynote address with a reminder of the scrutiny the higher education sector has undergone in recent months and which is still ongoing. He argued that universities are facing a significant challenge to their autonomy as government seeks to shape higher education for economic ends, and urged participants to recognise the need to articulate and defend what universities are for in the face of the fracturing effects of the ‘market’. In Aaron’s view the concept of universities as academic communities, where students and teachers together learn, research and develop areas of knowledge, is in severe danger of being lost.

A rare opportunity to meet and learn from colleagues – excellent CPD for law teachers in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Aaron’s message was echoed in Visions of legal education, a panel session focusing on the future and responding to the views expressed in UKCLE’s film Back to the (academic) future. The familiar debate around whether the law degree should take account of the needs of the professions, or indeed other employers, was revisited, but there were some signs of consensus among delegates that the liberal ideal need not (should not) exclude a focus on the development of what are agreed to be graduate skills.

A forum that puts one at ease, where it is incredibly easy to network and meet new and often like minded people!

The conference once again played host to the final of the Law Teacher of the Year competition – congratulations to Becky Huxley-Binns, seen here receiving her award from Roger Burridge, UKCLE’s founding Director.

Last Modified: 26 November 2010