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A comprehensive range of fourteen synthetically simple, air-stable and structurally diverse Fe(III) complexes, comprising of salalen, salen, salan and thiolen frameworks, were applied as catalysts to the ring opening copolymerization of phthalic anhydride (PA) and cyclohexene oxide (CHO) without the need for extra additives, such as co-catalyst, as part of a newly discovered unary system. Alternating poly(1,2-cyclohexylene-1,2-phthalate) {poly(CHO-co-PA)} was obtained with reasonable molecular weights, narrow dispersities and with high % ester linkages. Structure-activity-relationships have been investigated and discussed. The most interesting discovery was when performing ‘ligand control’ ROCOP experiments (highlighting the importance of such checks in catalysis) that all these organocatalysts outperformed their Lewis acidic Fe(III) analogues; these results are significant as a simplistic, metal- and halide-free, organocatalytic single component approach to ROCOP was developed. There are few examples of organocatalysts in literature, examples tending to rely on two component systems with harsher, air-sensitive chemicals and these results provide hope that more reactive, effective organo-initiators are possible in an area very much in its infancy, but will no doubt emerge and potentially prove vital to future sustainable polymerization research. Thermal properties were accessed via DSC analysis and, for the amorphous copolymers, the Tg values ranged by 35 °C from 100 °C to a respectable 135 °C.

Recently we reported a series of highly active Al(III)-complexes bearing a catalen ligand support for lactide polymerisation, observing unprecedented activity in the melt. Herein we report diversification of the metal to furnish a series of well-defined dimeric Zn(II)- and Mg(II)-complexes, which were fully characterised by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. The production of biocompatible atactic PLA from rac-LA in solution and under industrially preferred solvent-free conditions was demonstrated, typically observing good activity and Mn control with a broad range of dispersities (Đ = 1.08–2.04). Mg(II)-Complexes were shown to facilitate the relatively mild methanolysis of PLA, achieving up to 64% conversion to Me-LA within 8 h at 80 °C in THF. Further kinetic analysis found [Mg(1,3)]2 to have kapp values of 0.628 ± 0.0536 {4 wt% cat. loading} and 0.265 ± 0.0193 h−1 {8 wt% cat. loading} respectively for the rate of consumption of PLA. Preliminary work extended polymer scope to PET from various sources, demonstrating catalyst versatility.

The ability to control the outcome of polymerisations using an external stimulus remains a formidable challenge. Herein, we report a series of photoactive Schiff base ligands bearing azobenzene moieties, as well as seven Al(III) and Zn(II) complexes. Trans–cis isomerisation of the ligands and complexes occurred by exposure to UV light. Photoisomerisation was investigated using spectroscopic techniques and real-time reaction monitoring was conducted using FlowNMR. The activity of the complexes was tested in ring-opening polymerisation (ROP) of ε-caprolactone and rac-lactide under ambient and UV light conditions, with the isomers of the Al(III) complexes displaying marked differences in activity in the ROP of ε-caprolactone.

Bioplastics such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA), which are derived from renewable sources, promoted as biodegradable and implemented for numerous functions, offer a promising alternative to the enduring synthetic plastics abundant in society. However, the degradation of PLA is slow under natural environmental conditions. A chemical recycling route is thus required to couple mitigation of plastic persistence repercussions with circular economy adherence. In the present work, the production of ethyl lactate by the catalysed transesterification of post-consumer PLA was investigated. The catalyst employed was a propylendiamine Zn(II) complex. The PLA samples investigated consisted of a phone case, an infant’s toy, a film, a cup and 3D printing material. Degradation reactions were studied at 50 °C and 90 °C and the concentrations measured at two different time intervals, 1 h and 3 h. The results revealed that greater activity of the catalyst was observed at 50 °C for two PLA samples (cup, 3D print). PLA film achieved the greatest lactate yield (71%) of all samples after 3 h at 50 °C. It is concluded that the propylenediamine Zn(II) catalyst can be used to produce green solvent ethyl lactate at mild temperatures from post-consumer PLA, even in the presence of unknown additives.

Plastics are an indispensable material with numerous benefits and advantages compared to traditional materials, such as glass and paper. However, their widespread use has caused significant environmental pollution and most plastics are currently nonrenewable. Biobased polymers represent an important step for tackling these issues, however, the end-of-life disposal of such materials needs to be critically considered to allow for a transition to a circular economy for plastics. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is an important example of a biobased polymer, which is also biodegradable. However, industrial composting of PLA affords water and carbon dioxide only and in the natural environment, PLA has a slow biodegradation rate. Therefore, recycling processes are important for PLA, particularly chemical recycling, which affords monomers and useful platform chemicals, maintaining the usefulness and value of the material. This review covers the different methods of PLA chemical recycling, highlighting recent trends and advances in the area.

The catalyzed methanolysis of end-of-life poly(lactic acid) (PLA) products by an ethylenediamine Zn(II) complex to form biodegradable methyl lactate was studied experimentally at 70, 90, and 110 °C. The PLA samples consisted of typical consumer waste materials, including a cup, a toy, and a three-dimensional (3D) printing material. High selectivities and yields (>94%) were possible depending on temperature and reaction time. Additionally, and to develop a predictive kinetic model, kinetic parameters (pre-exponential factor and activation energies) of the PLA transesterification reaction were first obtained from virgin PLA. These parameters were subsequently used to estimate the conversion of PLA, selectivity, and yield of methyl lactate after 1 and 4 h of the reaction, and the results were compared with the experimental values of the end-of-life PLA. Despite the presence of unknown additives in the PLA waste material and uncontrolled particle size, the model was able to predict the overall conversion, selectivity, and yield to an average deviation of 5, 7, and 12%, respectively. A greater agreement between the model and experimental values is observed for the higher temperatures and the longer reaction time. Larger deviations were observed for the PLA toy, which we attribute to the presence of additives, since despite its lower molecular weight, it possessed a higher structural strength.

An extensive multi-country outbreak of multidrug-resistant monophasic

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is a notifiable disease in Ireland, with national coverage of clinical and laboratory surveillance. In December 2020, a cluster of 11 HAV cases among the Irish Traveller community was detected. The outbreak investigation identified 61 total HAV cases from September 2020 to November 2021. Sequenced isolates were sub-genotype IA with identical genome sequence. Case-patients were predominantly aged under 18 (77%), hospitalised (46%) and lived on communal residential sites. Mass onsite HAV vaccination was employed following failure of initial ring vaccination to contain the outbreak. This is the largest outbreak of HAV described in Ireland, involving spillover to the UK and Netherlands. We recommend mass HAV vaccination and tailored communication for outbreak control in migratory subpopulations.

A series of well-defined mono- and dimeric Zn(II)-complexes were prepared and fully characterised by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. Their application to the ROP of rac-LA to produce biocompatible atactic PLA was demonstrated in both solution and under industrially preferred melt conditions at 180 °C with a [rac-LA] : [Init] : [BnOH] of 3000 : 1 : 10. Exceptional activity was observed in all instances, albeit with generally poor molecular weight control (Mn) and broad dispersities (Đ), with dimers outperforming their monomeric counterparts. The propensity of all Zn(II)-complexes to facilitate PLA degradation into methyl lactate (Me-LA) under mild conditions is also demonstrated. Zn(2–3)2 were identified as the outstanding candidates, achieving full conversion to Me-LA within 8 h at 80 °C in THF. Further degradation kinetic analysis revealed Zn(2–3)2 to have kapp values of 0.63 ± 0.051 and 0.44 ± 0.029 h−1 for the rate of consumption of PLA respectively.

A stereoselective, solvent-free ring-opening polymerisation (ROP) of lactide (LA) in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) is reported for the first time. The key aim is to exploit scCO2 to lower the temperature of traditional melt polymerisations, lowering the energy requirement and leading to cleaner polymeric materials. We have utilised a zirconium amine-trisphenolate initiator-stereoselective catalyst [(iPrO)Zr(OPh(tBu)2-CH2)3N] to yield highly heterotactic poly(lactide) (PLA) homopolymer (Pr = 0.74–0.84) from rac-LA, demonstrating control of the PLA microstructure in scCO2. In addition, high monomer conversion (86–93%) was achieved in short reaction time (1 h), affording poly(lactide) with a very low degree of transesterification and narrow molecular weight distribution. Most importantly, all the reactions were performed at only 80 °C, almost 100 °C lower than the conventional melt process (typically performed at 130–180 °C), representing a very significant potential energy saving.

A series of five iron and aluminum complexes bearing {ONSO} imine thiobis(phenolate) ligands have been prepared and applied to the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of rac-lactide. Fe(1)Cl produced polylactide with a very strong isotactic bias (P m = 0.79-0.89) and well-defined melting temperatures (T m = 154-181 °C). The polymers have been characterized by a combination of 1H{ 1H} NMR, 13C{ 1H} NMR, gel permeation chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and powder X-ray diffraction. Fe(1)Cl has also been shown to activate CO 2, at atmospheric pressure and concentrations, to form a carbonato-bridged dimer. Fe(2-5)Cl and Al(1-5)Me were also active for lactide ROP demonstrating good-molecular-weight control (A = 1.04-1.12) and moderate isotactic preference (P m = 0.56-0.72), with polymerization outcome correlating with ligand substituents.

Growing environmental concerns associated with the accumulation of plastic waste in the natural environment has incentivised considerable research into renewable alternatives, and more recently, alternative waste management strategies. This review aims to introduce poly (lactic acid) (PLA), a bioplastic, and recent research within the field. Attention will then shift to research surrounding plastic waste management. Various end-of-life (EOL) options available to plastics will be discussed more broadly, before presenting existing technologies, challenges and future opportunities exclusively for PLA. Herein, all waste management strategies presented for PLA are discussed within the context of industrial feasibility.

A series of monopyrrolidine metal complexes have been prepared with the aim of elucidating structure-to-activity relationships for the ROP of lactide. Complexes of Li(I), Mg(II), Zn(II) and Zr(IV) were synthesised and fully characterised. Structural comparisons are made to the bipyrrolidine analogues. These monopyrrolidine complexes were found to be active towards the ROP of lactide under both solution and melt conditions. The zirconium complexes were found to have reduced and opposing stereocontrol compared to the bipyrrolidine analogues. The zinc and magnesium complexes demonstrated good activity and control under immortal polymerisation conditions.

The recent judgment in Casamitjana Costa v The League Against Cruel Sports in England and Wales held that ethical veganism was a protected philosophical belief under employment law. In contrast, vegetarianism was found not to be a protected philosophical belief in Conisbee v Crossley Farms Limited and others. The authors argue that the Employment Tribunal misunderstood the notion of vegetarianism when deciding that it was a ‘life-style choice’. There are different kinds of vegans and vegetarians, each with their own way of practising the philosophy which influences how they live their life. Not all people who follow a meat-free diet should be afforded this protection, and it depends on whether their belief is one which is determined by certain factors, such as animal welfare and environmentalism, rather than for health purposes. The authors explore the arguments and analysis in the above employment cases, coming to the conclusion that the tribunals oversimplified what it means to hold values such as veganism and vegetarianism, failing to understand the differences between different classifications and sub-groups when coming to a decision. The different kinds of vegans and vegetarians and their characteristics are outlined, before determining whether this should constitute protection under employment law, protecting individuals from discrimination. The situation in the USA and Canada regarding this issue is very different, and there are parallels drawn with attempting to establish veganism or vegetarianism as a religion, and where they could benefit from the recent decision in England and Wales. Finally, this paper concludes that ethical and environmental veganism and vegetarianism should both qualify as protected philosophical beliefs, but other kinds may fall short of what is required to satisfy the requirements under law.

Herein, we report a series of highly active Al(III)-complexes based on a novel hybrid ligand: the catalen. Their application in the production of polylactide under both solution, and industrially preferred melt conditions, is demonstrated. Potential structural diversification to broaden initiator scope is discussed.

Two series of ligands based on diaminocyclohexane (DACH) have been prepared and successfully complexed to Al(III) and Zn(II) metal centres. Solution and solid-state studies reveal a tendency to form mono- or bis-ligated forms depending on the steric bulk of the ligand. These complexes have been tested for their ability to ring open rac-lactide. Al(III) based complexes generally gave atactic PLA after a polymerization time of 1-2 days. The Zn(II) complexes, were found to be more active and furnished PLA with a slight heterotactic bias.

A series of Zn II complexes, based on propylenediamine Schiff bases, have been prepared and fully characterized. X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy identified significant differences in the solid and solution state for the Zn II species. All complexes have been applied to the ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide with emphasis on industrial conditions. High conversion and good molecular weight control were generally achievable for Zn(A–D) 2, and high-molecular-weight poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was prepared in 1 min at a 10 000:1:33 [lactide]/[Zn]/[BnOH] loading. The more active Zn II catalysts were also applied to PLA degradation to alkyl lactate under mild conditions. Zn(A–B) 2 demonstrated high activity and selectivity in this process with PLA being consumed within 1 h at 50 °C. Zn(C–D) 2 were shown to be less active, and these observations can be related to the catalysts’ structure and the degradation mechanism. Initial results for the degradation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and mixed feeds are also presented, highlighting the broader applicability of the systems presented.

In this paper a series of 7 salalen ligands based on an aminopyrrolidine backbone have been prepared and characterised. Several systems have been reduced to the salan ONNO type-ligand. All ligands have been complexed to Al III with Al(1–7)Me, Al(2a)(OiPr) and Al(7a)Me being characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In general the Al III centres are best described as being in a trigonal bipyramidal geometry. The solution and solid-state structures are discussed. All complexes have all been trialled for the production of PLA from rac-lactide, the salalen complexes had a preference for heterotactic PLA (P r = 0.71), whereas the salan had a more isotactic bias (P m = 0.72). In all cases PLA with low dispersities and predictable molecular weights were prepared. The activity of the two classes of ligands is compared with the salan complexes appearing to be significantly more active than the salalen systems.

A range of ligands based upon 2-(aminomethyl)piperidine have been successfully complexed to Mg(ii), Zn(ii) and group IV metal centres. These complexes have been characterised both in solution and solid state with different coordination geometries realised dependant on the nature of the ligand. For the Mg(ii) and Zn(ii) complexes, M(1-2)2, were isolated and analysed by DOSY NMR spectroscopy. These ligands also furnished diastereomeric group IV complexes, M(1-2)2(OiPr)2. Group IV salalen and salan complexes, M(4-5)(OR)2 were also found to be diastereomeric in nature, with either β-cis or α-cis geometriesrespectively. The tridentate ligand, 6H2, yielded five coordinate complexes with both Ti(iv) and Zr(iv). All complexes were screened for the ring opening polymerisation of rac-lactide under both solvent and melt conditions. For the Mg(ii) and Zn(ii) complexes, good activity was observed with Zn(1-2)2 demonstrating immortal polymerisation characteristics.

A range of simple ethylenediamine based Zn(II) and Mg(II) complexes have been prepared and their structures determined via NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Preparation of these complexes was also demonstrated to be scalable, with 25 g of Zn(1)2 being readily produced. These complexes were trialed for the ring opening polymerisation (ROP) of lactide under industrially relevant conditions. Their reactivity has been related to their structure in solution. Incredibly high activity is achieved in the majority of cases including low catalytic loading and high temperatures, under industrially relevant conditions (180 °C 10 000 : 1 : 100 [LA] : [Zn] : [BnOH]), with high conversion achieved within 10 minutes and TOFs in excess of 100 000 h−1 achieved. The performance of these initiators for polymer production is supported by GPC, DSC and IR spectroscopy which all highlight the excellent control achieved.

Following the reduction in the scope of legal aid as a consequence of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, the courts in England and Wales have seen a rise in the number of litigants in person. This article explores whether there is a role for Higher Education institutions in addressing the problem.

In this paper we have prepared a series of Ti(IV), Hf(IV) and Al(III) complexes based on bipyrrolidine salan pro-ligands. The Hf(IV) complexes have all been characterised in the solid-state, the chiral ligands coordinate to Hf(IV) in an α-cis manner whereas the meso ligand coordinates in a β-cis geometry. The Hf(IV) complexes are all active for the ROP of rac-lactide in the melt, with the fluxional meso complex affording a strong isotactic bias Pm = 0.84. As expected Hf(3)(OiPr)2 polymerised L-LA faster than rac-LA (kapp = 5.9 x 10-3 mins-1 vs 3.8 x 10-3 mins-1). For Ti(IV) complexes atactic PLA was formed. The salan pro-ligands have also been complexed to Al(III), with the complexes being characterised in the solid and solution state generating a series of novel Al-Me and Al-OiPr species. Al(1)(OiPr) was fluxional on the NMR timescale, whereas Al(3)(OiPr) was locked in solution with no exchange. Interestingly, the Al(III) complexes of 3H2 produce PLA with a very strong heterotactic bias Pr upto 0.87, whereas atactic PLA is produced with 1H2. For Al(3)(OiPr) a linear relationship is observed with Mn and conversion. Experiments with the addition of an equivalent of rac-LA to the selective initiators have also been performed and are discussed.

New zinc guanidine complexes with N,O donor functionalities were prepared, characterized by X-Ray crystallography, and examined for their catalytic activity in the solvent-free ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of technical-grade rac-lactide at 150 °C. All complexes showed a high activity. The fastest complex [ZnCl2(DMEGasme)] (C1) produced colorless poly(lactide) (PLA) after 90 min with a conversion of 52 % and high molar masses (Mw=69 100, polydispersity=1.4). The complexes were tested with different monomer-to-initiator ratios to determine the rate constant kp. Furthermore, a polymerization with the most active complex C1 was monitored by in situ Raman spectroscopy. Overall, conversion of up to 90 % can be obtained. End-group analysis was performed to clarify the mechanism. All four complexes combine robustness against impurities in the lactide with high polymerization rates, and they represent the fastest robust lactide ROP catalysts to date, opening new avenues to a sustainable ROP catalyst family for industrial use.

In England and Wales, there is an increasing need for the provision of pro bono legal services. Law students may be a resource that can help fill the access to justice gap, whilst at university and onwards in their future careers. Whilst some students are intrinsically motivated towards altruistic behaviour, many are not. This article will consider what motivates students to undertake pro bono work whilst at law school.The article will explore the range of intrinsic and extrinsic motivating factors for student participation in pro bono programmes and consider how students can be encouraged to engage in such activities. The article will also consider whether exposure to pro bono experience can instil a public service ethos in students.In conclusion, the article will highlight experience as an influential factor in encouraging initial participation in pro bono work but also instilling a willingness to undertake pro bono work in the future.

We report the rationalised design of aluminium initiators and their application for ROP of rac-lactide (rac-LA). A very minor change to the ligand backbone (imine reduction) to give secondary amines was found to have a dramatic effect on activity and selectivity with isotactic PLA being realised.

Herein we report the synthesis and characterisation of a series of salalen and salan ligands derived from 2-(aminomethyl)piperidine. Depending on the choice of starting salicylaldehyde, a bicyclic salan type ligand (1-3H2) or imino salalen type ligand (4-6H, 7-9H2) were prepared. The ligands were successfully complexed to group 4 metals and aluminium; with hafnium and zirconium octahedral complexes, M(1-3)2, were realised; whilst with aluminium tetrahedral and trigonal bipyramidal complexes, Al(1-9)Mex (x = 1,2), were isolated. The complexes have been characterised in solution via(1)H and (13)C{(1)H} NMR spectroscopy and in the solid state by X-ray crystallography. The group 4 complexes were observed to have a fac-fac arrangement of ligands and there were two isomers present when 3H2 was ligated. The imino aluminium complexes Al(7-9)Me were isolated as a mixture of diastereoisomers. The resultant complexes were trialed in the ring opening polymerisation of rac-lactide with both heterotactic and isotactic PLA being demonstrated. Tacticity was found to be dependent on the nature of the ligand and metal used; the M(1-3)2 complexes were generally found to have a heterotactic preference (Pr = 0.67-0.76) and the aluminium polymerisation outcome was dictated more by the steric influence of the ligand, particularly for Al(4/6)Me2/Al(7/9)Me.

As the clinical movement gains momentum across Europe, this article explores the issues experienced by clinicians which both promote and hinder the development of clinical programmes. The article discusses the issues raised by clinicians during the course of the Workshop, in particular, addressing the resistance clinical programmes can face from the legal profession and the academy.

Campylobacter is among the most important agents of enteritis in developed countries. We have described the potential environmental determinants of the seasonal pattern of infection with campylobacter in Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Specifically, we investigated the role of climate variability on laboratory-confirmed cases of campylobacter infection from 15 populations. Regression analysis was used to quantify the associations between timing of seasonal peaks in infection in space and time. The short-term association between weekly weather and cases was also investigated using Poisson regression adapted for time series data. All countries in our study showed a distinct seasonality in campylobacter transmission, with many, but not all, populations showing a peak in spring. Countries with milder winters have peaks of infection earlier in the year. The timing of the peak of infection is weakly associated with high temperatures 3 months previously. Weekly variation in campylobacter infection in one region of the UK appeared to be little affected by short-term changes in weather patterns. The geographical variation in the timing of the seasonal peak suggests that climate may be a contributing factor to campylobacter transmission. The main driver of seasonality of campylobacter remains elusive and underscores the need to identify the major serotypes and routes of transmission for this disease.

Herein we report the synthesis and characterisation of a series of Zr(iv) 2,2'-bipyrrolidine-salan derived complexes and their exploitation for the ring opening polymerisation of rac-lactide to afford highly isotactically enriched polymers.

Pediatric gastroenteritis places a considerable disease burden on children of the developed world. The national surveillance of gastroenteritis in Ireland is a combined virological and epidemiologic surveillance program. The objectives of this study were to characterize the norovirus (NoV) genotypes associated with viral gastroenteritis in childrenor=5 y of age, and compare these strains with those detected in adult specimens. A total of five different NoV genotypes were associated with infection in Irish children [Genogroup II/type 2 (GII/2),GII/4,GII/6,GII/b,GII/14] whereas only GII/4 strains were identified in adults. This significant genotypic difference in the NoV strains associated with pediatric and adult infection was found in both community- and hospital-based infection. To assess the burden that NoV places on Irish children, the relative prevalence of norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus was determined in hospitalized symptomatic childrenor=5 y old. Our results identified NoV as a major cause of gastroenteritis in childrenor=4 mo of age and determined that NoV and adenovirus infection are equally significant in children in the first 5 y of life. This group of pediatric patients reported diarrhea as their most common symptom raising the question whether Kaplan criteria are the most effective method for clinically diagnosing outbreaks of enteric infection in pediatric patients.

In mid-February 2007, there was a small rise in the number of laboratory-notified cases of cryptosporidiosis in the city and county of Galway, Ireland in comparison to February 2006.

This study considers whether participation in pro bono legal work during a programme of academic study at Northumbria University increases the likelihood of future participation in pro bono activity amongst law students.This was a quantitative study in which an online survey, measuring altruistic attitudes, was sent to students enrolled on the M Law Exempting degree programme at Northumbria University. The author analysed the data by comparing the attitudes of those students who had engaged in pro bono activity during the fourth year of the programme against those students who had yet to engage in pro bono activity, being those students in Years 1, 2 and 3 of the programme.The data suggests that whilst the students value engagement in pro bono activity, this is principally due to the personal benefits which they gain. In particular, respondents reported improvement in legal skills and enhanced employability as a consequence of participation in pro bono work. The data indicates that there is an increased awareness of social and economic issues whilst engaged in pro bono work but this does not translate into a desire to continue pro bono work after graduation.It was therefore concluded that participation in pro bono work during the course of academic study does not increase the likelihood of future participation in pro bono activity following graduation.

Lewisham LBC v Malcolm[2008] UKHL 43

The paper will focus on the experiences and expectations of two new clinicians in their first year in legal clinic. They will draw on their own training experiences compared to the training the students receive in clinic.\ud The paper will take the format of 10 (or maybe more!) lessons for new clinicians. A sneak preview of some of the lessons includes “How to deal with a hopeless student – its not private practice so you cannot sack them so what can you do?” and “Patience!– don’t forget that they are not trainee solicitors with full time exposure to cases like with training contracts”.\ud The paper is intended to be light hearted yet thought provoking view of clinical practice. We hope that from this paper you will be able to reflect on your own practice as they have reflected upon their own experiences as some of the themes drawn from the paper will be common within the discipline. New clinicians will be able to learn from their experiences and also their mistakes.\ud This paper is presented by 2 solicitors with very different experiences who moved into education in September 2007 direct from private practice. Angela Macfarlane’s qualification as solicitor was by BA honours degree, post graduate diploma in law (common professional examination -CPE), post graduate diploma in legal practice (LPC) and finally a law society training contract in private practice. For the 2 years prior to joining Northumbria University as a Senior Lecturer she was engaged in commercial and employment work, primarily acting for business clients. Prior to this her experience was with police work and crime, either representing police officers accused of criminal offences, or suing the police for civil “crimes”. \ud Paul McKeown’s qualification was by LLB Honours (Dunhelm), post graduate diploma in legal practice (LPC) and finally a Law Society training contract. Prior to joining Northumbria University he was engaged exclusively in publicly funded work, primarily in the areas of Housing and Employment law. Paul is now employed as a Solicitor/Tutor in Northumbria’s Student Law Office.