Mrs Julie O’Shea

Academic Lead for Clinical Legal Education | Module Lead, Citizens Advice Clinic
BA (Hons) Law, Economics and Business Administration | Law Society Finals, University of Leicester

Julie joined Buckingham Law School in 2013, following a 15-year career as a practising solicitor in regional law firms, specialising in dispute resolution and commercial insolvency litigation. Drawing on her extensive legal practice experience, she has been instrumental in integrating practical legal education into the academic environment.
As Academic Lead for Clinical Legal Education, Julie has been at the forefront of developing innovative, practice-based learning opportunities. She is the Module Lead of the Citizens Advice Clinic, a pioneering initiative that places undergraduate law students in real-world advisory roles, enhancing their understanding of access to justice and client service.

Julie’s teaching focuses on the development of core lawyering skills, including professional ethics, client interviewing, and civil court procedures. She is a dedicated coach and mentor, committed to equipping students with the practical competencies and commercial awareness essential for legal practice and post graduate professions. Her contributions extend to national platforms, where she represents the Law School as a Judge in the annual National Client Interviewing Competition.

At Buckingham, Julie oversees the clinical legal education programme, coordinating student placements, professional mentoring schemes, and guest speaker events. She works closely with fellow academics, legal professionals and alumni to bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice, ensuring students graduate with both the knowledge and confidence to thrive in the legal sector.

Julie’s passion for legal education and mentorship is matched by her commitment to preparing students for the evolving demands of the legal profession. Her leadership continues to shape the next generation of lawyers through experiential learning and professional development. With a strong emphasis on social responsibility, Julie has been instrumental in developing the annual University outreach programme, LawFest, fostering awareness of the diversity of legal careers with national and regional legal sector stakeholders, offering valuable opportunities for pupils at local schools and in the Milton Keynes area.