Cathy Meredith

My profile

Biography

Career Journey

  • Completed Law degree at Dundee University graduating with a 2:1.
  • Studied the Legal Practice Course (LPC) at Northumbria University, graduating with distinction.
  • Commenced my career as a trainee solicitor in Manchester City Centre.
  • Worked at three national law firms:
    • Whittles Solicitors (Manchester)
    • Laytons Solicitors (Manchester)
    • Tughans Solicitors (Belfast)
  • Specialised in employment law and corporate support.

Contributions at MMU

  • Received a staff award in 2022 for significant contributions to equality initiatives.
  • Co-Chaired MMU’s Working Parents and Carers Forum.
  • Contributed to MMU’s Athena Swan submission.
  • Played an active role in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Board.
  • Selected by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) to join the DVC Academic Advisory Group.

Professional Development

  • Completed the Professional Development Course for External Examiners.
  • Participated in the Aurora programme for women’s leadership.

Beyond MMU

  • Serves as a magistrate. My work as a magistrate (crime) helps me strengthen skills such as:
    • Sound judgement
    • Communication
    • Working with others
    • Possessing and building knowledge
    • Managing work efficiently
    • Social awareness
  • These skills greatly enhance my teaching.
  • Enjoys sports, including playing hockey for a local club.

Academic and professional qualifications

Professional memberships

  • 2021 - Justice of the Peace
  • 2017 - Fellow of The Higher Education Academy
  • 2004 - Membership of the Law Society of Northern Ireland
  • 2002-2007 - Membership of the Law Society

Academic qualifications

  • 2020 Manchester Metropolitan University - Professional Development Course for External Examiners
  • 2007 Manchester Metropolitan University - PGCERT Academic Practice, Distinction
  • 1999-2000 University of Northumbria - Legal Practice Course, Distinction
  • 1995-1999 University of Dundee - LLB (Hons) Law, 2:1

Other academic service (administration and management)

Legal academic teaching experience

  • 2007-Present: Manchester Metropolitan University, Senior Law Lecturer
    • Employability Co-ordinator for the Law School
    • LPC Subject Leader for Employment Law and Practice and Interviewing and Advising
    • LPC Lecturer for Business Law and Practice, Drafting, Practical Legal Research, Taxation, and Writing
    • LLB in LP Subject Leader for The Practice of Company and Partnership Law
    • LLB Lecturer for Employment Law, Legal Professionalism and Ethics and Professional Skills and the Environment
    • Member of the LLB marking team for Law in Practice
    • LLB Dissertation supervisor for LLM students

Teaching

Why do I teach?

Teaching Motivation

  • My passion for problem-solving and diverse interests during my education led me to pursue a career in law.
  • Recognising my enjoyment in supervising trainee solicitors, I transitioned into academia.

Teaching Experience

  • With over 15 years of experience at Manchester Law School, I’ve embraced the challenges and rewards of teaching.
  • Committed to constant reflection on my teaching methods, I work hard to enhance my skills as lecturer.
  • Serving as the subject leader for several LPC units and lecturing across various postgraduate and undergraduate courses, I understand the dynamic nature of teaching.

Reflections on Teaching

  • The role of a lecturer presents a diverse array of responsibilities, ensuring each day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth.

Career history

2006-2007

Laytons Solicitors, Manchester, Solicitor

2004-2006

Tughans Solicitors, Belfast, Associate Solicitor

2000-2003

Whittles Solicitors, Manchester, Solicitor/Trainee Solicitor