Legal Services, University of Southampton
As a Russell Group University with some 25,000 students, 7,000 employees, multiple campuses, oversees operations, income of over £700 million and diverse research grants, the provision of legal services required to support the University is diverse and vast.
The team's vast expertise includes commercial, education, international, property, employment, intellectual property, data protection and contentious issues.
Alongside the vast range of work each member of the team undertakes which enhances their own legal skills, the team enjoy coming to work. We are exceptionally supportive, helping each other through incredibly busy times at work but also through our own personal challenges that life unfortunately throws at us. We are all proud to work in Legal Services.
Legal & Compliance Services, University of Warwick
The Warwick legal team goes above and beyond the scope of their usual duties and were ranked as the most satisfied employees in an institution-wide survey. The team leads and supports on complex matters. Provide internal training and have streamlined processes to enhance legal expertise institution-wide. They engage with university committees and working groups to provide legal advice and stay abreast of emerging strategies. They prioritise community engagement, supporting initiatives like the EY Foundation. They embrace an open-door culture to ensure the collaboration crucial for hybrid working, and foster equality, diversity, and camaraderie through inclusive celebrations and team-building activities.
Legal Services, University of Bristol
The Legal Services team at the University of Bristol go the extra mile to support colleagues in the delivery of the institution's strategic ambitions, providing guidance and expertise on compliance, regulatory and legal affairs to the University Group.
Letitia Baldock, Director of Legal Services, University of Southampton
Letitia has working knowledge of all areas of law. She is a strategic and trusted legal adviser to the Executive team, other Professional Services and Faculty colleagues. She is always quick to identify and navigate legal risks to provide optimal solutions for the University to ensure it meets its strategic aims. She is encouraging, understanding and approachable. She has created a fun and safe environment for all the solicitors in her team to feel welcomed and inspired to reach their potential.
The legal services team always go above and beyond to assist Letitia in any way they can because she is an incredible leader who the University would truly be lost without.
Claire Dunning, Director of Legal & Compliance Services, University of Portsmouth
Claire is Director of Legal & Compliance Services. As the newest member of the team Stephanie Clark recently met a huge range of individuals at the University and when she asks how she can assist and do they have preferences on how to work the answer is ‘just be like Claire’. Claire is pragmatic and understanding in her work but also her leadership. Claire’s team look up to her and respect her, she takes time to get to know her team personally as well as professionally and is the teams biggest cheerleader when assisting them in reaching their potential.
Melissa Rose, Head of Legal and Compliance, University of Plymouth
Within 12 months of being appointed interim Head of Legal and Compliance (a role made permanent in October 2024) Melissa has brought about a significant positive change in culture to the team with the additional benefit of refocusing how it is viewed and valued in the wider University. She has been diligent in her care for the wellbeing of team members whilst not losing her focus on the team providing the best legal value possible to the University.
Rachel Gower, Director of Legal and Compliance Services, University of Warwick
Under Rachel’s leadership, the team has excelled. It has expanded from 5 to 20 members, integrating other departments. Notably, her team ranked highest in employee satisfaction, praising her for fostering a supportive and open environment. She actively promotes professional development, resulting in numerous promotions and skill advancements within the team. Through open communication and flexible working policies, she ensures a supportive and inclusive environment. Rachel's extensive involvement in university committees and community engagement initiatives showcases her dedication to collaboration and community impact. Her expertise and guidance have made her a respected figure institution-wide, known for her pragmatic approach and expertise.
Madeleine Carnwath, Solicitor - Employment and University Matters, The University of Manchester
Maddy is an outstanding team player who delivers exceptional legal support to colleagues across the community in a truly collaborative, supportive and practical way. She instils confidence and empowers those she advises, and embodies the values of excellence, fairness and compassion. Maddy is unwaveringly reliable and brings a positive attitude and sense of perspective and humor to work during the most challenging of times. She has developed particular expertise and is a lead trusted adviser to many academic and professional service colleagues on some of the most technical, sensitive, demanding and reputationally significant areas we deal with. Maddy always supports the wellbeing and development of those she works with, both within our team and beyond. Her teamwork and collaborative spirit transcend her immediate role as a lawyer, as illustrated by the brilliant initiatives she supports across the wider University and local communities.
Emma Wainman, FOI and DP Specialist, University of Plymouth
Emma constantly steps up to support any areas needing assistance and is generous with her time and provides invaluable support to all colleagues at the Institution. Emma’s hunger for improvement and friendly nature has led to a wide and impactful workload, and it is clear she is committed to constantly supporting the overall success of the Department and the Institution.
The Legal Office, The University of Huddersfield
The University’s Legal Team supported the Data Protection Team by building them an innovative new ‘plain English’ Data Privacy Impact Assessment which is more user friendly whilst also meeting the Legal requirements for a Privacy Impact Assessment. This technological solution meant the Data Protection Team were able to work more closely with colleagues in Records Management and Information Governance to improve the speed and efficiency of Privacy Impact Assessments. The goodwill generated by creating this solution together lead to the teams developing a new way of collaborative working to ensure faster, more data protection compliant contracts are prepared.
Legal Services, Loughborough University
The Loughborough University Legal Services team has created an innovative and collaborative training programme and community of practice for colleagues dealing with contracts in their roles. Through a mix of self-study, skills based training and a wealth of self-service resources, the team of six have maximised their impact on the University, meaningfully de-risking activities and supporting colleagues’ wellbeing and professional development. The approach contributes to managing workloads within the team, allowing a more surgical deployment of legal resource and a greater confidence in the relationship between lawyer and client.
Holli McGuff, Trainee Solicitor, University of Glasgow
Holli joined the team as a Trainee Solicitor with no experience of working in Higher Education. She has since shown an aptitude for the work that predicts her continued success upon qualifying as a solicitor this year. She has proactively expanded her role as a trainee through the different opportunities that present themselves while working at a university, in turn finding herself involved in litigation, hearings, and the delivery of tailored training. She is an essential and highly valued member of the team.
Alyssa Yap-Young, Trainee Solicitor, University of Surrey
Alyssa joined the University of Surrey’s legal team in July 2024 as a paralegal. Due to her excellence in her day to day work, Alyssa was offered a training contract in March 2025. Alyssa has provided excellent in-depth research work both on litigation matters and complex contracts commercial lawyers.
Katy Boyle, Graduate Solicitor Apprentice, Loughborough University
Katy Boyle joined Loughborough University as its first legal apprentice in 2022 and in that time has had a hugely positive impact on the University, apprenticeships and the sector. She’s dedicated to her work, passionate in her advocacy and has seized every opportunity sent her way. A fierce advocate locally and nationally for the benefits of apprenticeships, including in relation to social mobility and disability, Katy is every bit a rising star.
Harry Daggenhurst, former Treasurer of AULP, and Information Governance Adviser at the University of Southampton
John Stewart, previously Chair of AULP, Director of Legal Services and, latterly, University Secretary at the University of London, until his retirement in 2022
Adrian Slater, Director of Legal Services, University of Leeds until his retirement last year, AULP presenter/speaker; consultant/adviser to the Law Society on in-house legal ethics
