University of Hertfordshire - UH Speciality : Law
programme: Legal Practice Course

I look back on my years at the University of Hertfordshire with genuine gratitude and yes, even a little fond nostalgia. Having completed my LLB in Commercial Law, my LLM in Business Law and then the LPC there, I experienced both the rigour of a top-flight law education and the warmth of a truly supportive campus community.

Standout Classes & Learning
• Commercial Contract Drafting (LLB) with Simone Smart, Head of the LLM Bar Practice Course: Simone’s workshops felt like real-world negotiations, she’d split us into negotiating teams, then debrief every clause on indemnities and force majeure. I still use her “red-lining” technique whenever I draft client contracts.
• Corporate Governance & Ethics (LLM) under Professor Penny Carey, Dean of the Schools of Law & Education: Penny wove in the latest boardroom scandals, from ESG walk-outs at FTSE giants to whistle-blower dramas and challenged us to weigh legal duties against social impact. Her probing questions in seminars sharpened my strategic thinking.
• Advocacy & Professional Ethics (LPC) taught by Simone Smart alongside guest sessions from local barristers: These mock courtroom sessions, complete with robes in the replica Crown Court room at de Havilland campus were intense. Simone’s detailed feedback on our opening statements and witness examinations pushed me to refine both my argumentation and my confidence in front of clients.

Professors Who Made a Difference
• Simone Smart didn’t just teach modules, she mentored me on balancing persuasion with precision, whether in a boardroom pitch or a courtroom mock trial.
• Professor Penny Carey encouraged me to question not only “what the law is” but “what the law should be,” inspiring my later blog article on AI ethics in legal practice.

Campus Life & Community
• Law Clinic & StreetLaw Society: Volunteering there wasn’t an add-on; it was where I found my purpose. Designing “Know Your Rights” flyers, running community workshops and seeing tangible impact on clients’ lives remains the proudest part of my time at UH.
• The Learning Resource Centre Café: Fuelled by too many flat whites, late-night study sessions with classmates turned into lifelines before big moots and into friendships that last to this day.
• Campus Events: From the annual Law Ball at the Pavilion (where everyone realizes you can look glamorous in academic dress) to the pop-up careers fair in the Forum, UH blended academic excellence with genuine fun.

Room for Improvement
• Administrative Processes: Module-change requests and dissertation approvals occasionally felt like navigating a maze. A bit more clarity on timelines would have eased those pre-exam nerves.
• Shuttle Services: The de Havilland–College Lane shuttle can get packed; an extra bus at peak times would be a welcome boost.

Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. If you’re seeking a law school that balances practical, practice-led teaching with scholarly rigour, where professors know your name and invest in your growth, the University of Hertfordshire is the place to be. I left UH not only with strong degrees; LLB, LLM First Class, and a First-Class LPC but with the confidence, skills, and connections that have shaped my career.

In short: UH challenged me, supported me, and helped me become the professional I am today. I would recommend it in a heartbeat.