Inspiring LawFest+ Event for Local Sixth Form Students
20 May 2026
Bridging the gap between school-based study and real-world legal practice
Buckingham Law School welcomed over thirty A-level students from across Milton Keynes and the surrounding area to its Moot Court at the Verney Park campus in the Spring term, for a dynamic and engaging LawFest+ event. The initiative, jointly organised by Jon Adamson, Head of Sixth Form at Oakgrove School, alongside Dr James Slater and Julie O’Shea of Buckingham Law School, provided students with a deeper insight into studying and practising law.Students attended from Oakgrove School, St Paul’s Catholic School, Hazeley Academy, and Shenley Brook End School, reflecting strong regional interest in legal education and careers. The event aimed to bridge the gap between school-based study and real-world legal practice by offering both academic and professional perspectives.
Immersive academic experience
The event began with an in-depth law taster tutorial delivered by Dr Gar Yein Ng, focusing on the British Constitution. The session introduced students to core legal principles, including the structure of the UK constitution, the role of public bodies, and how administrative decisions can be challenged.
Students were encouraged to think critically about the relationship between government power and individual rights, gaining firsthand experience of the analytical approach required in legal studies. The interactive nature of the session, delivered in the formal setting of the Moot Court, helped bring legal theory to life.
Insights from legal professionals
Following the academic session, students were divided into three breakout groups, each led by experienced legal professionals who provided practical insights into different areas of the legal sector.
- Dentons, a global law firm, delivered a session on “Life as a Paralegal”: Eden Willis and Megan Northover’s discussion offered students a realistic understanding of entry-level roles in law, day-to-day responsibilities, and career progression opportunities within large firms.
- David Rushmere, Employment Partner at Machins Solicitors LLP, focused on transferable skills for aspiring lawyers. His session highlighted the importance of communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and commercial awareness—skills that are critical not only in law but across professional environments.
- Thomas Boden, Head of Legal Services at Milton Keynes City Council, along with Tiffany Choong, Trainee Solicitor, provided an overview of legal work within a busy local authority. The talk shed light on the breadth of legal issues handled in the public sector, from governance and planning to employment and regulatory matters, offering students a broader perspective on legal careers beyond private practice.
LawFest Plus guest speakers Thomas Boden, MK City Council (left) and David Rushmere, Machins (right)
Specialist perspective on private client law
The event also featured a session from the team at Osborne Morris and Morgan: Emma Shotton, Senior Solicitor, introduced students to private client work. The presentation covered key aspects of medical negligence and personal injury litigation. OMM colleagues Katherine Bull and Krishnan Fatania discussed the more specialised field of the Court of Protection, which deals with decisions for individuals who lack mental capacity.
This session highlighted the human dimension of legal practice, demonstrating how lawyers support clients through sensitive and often complex personal circumstances.
Strengthening pathways into law
LawFest+ exemplifies Buckingham Law School’s commitment to widening participation and supporting aspiring lawyers at an early stage in their academic journey. By combining rigorous academic teaching with practical insights from experienced professionals, the event offered students a well-rounded introduction to legal qualification pathways.
Speaking about the event, Julie O’Shea, Lecturer in Clinical Legal Practice emphasised the importance of collaboration between schools and higher education institutions in creating meaningful opportunities for students. Jon Adamson highlighted the partnership with local sixth forms ensured that students could explore legal study in an accessible and engaging way.
The success of LawFest+ highlights the growing appetite among young people for careers in law and related fields. Designed as a smaller, more in-depth experience, LawFest+ provides keen A-level students with the opportunity to explore legal study and practice in greater detail, engaging directly with both academic teaching and legal professionals in an interactive setting. Events such as this not only demystify legal education but also equip students with the knowledge and confidence to take the next steps in their academic and professional journeys.
Buckingham Law School continues to build on this success with its flagship annual outreach event, LawFest, taking place on 16 September 2026. In contrast LawFest is a large-scale event welcoming over 250 Year 11 and Year 12 students to the Vinson Building. It offers a broad and engaging introduction to studying law, while fostering strong links between schools, higher education, and legal professionals—helping to inspire the next generation of lawyers.