Hertfordshire Law School alumna Dr Grace Ononiwu CBE accepts Visiting Professorship at University
On Thursday 7 July, Hertfordshire Law School held an event to celebrate alumna Dr Grace Ononiwu CBE, patron of the University’s Law Clinic and the first Afro-Caribbean person to serve as Chief Crown Prosecutor in the UK. As part of the celebrations, it was announced at the event that Grace would return to the University as a Visiting Professor.
Grace, who is currently the Director of Legal Services for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), studied an Undergraduate degree in Law and Social Sciences at the University in 1988. Grace was awarded an OBE in 2008 in recognition for her work within the CPS and received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Hertfordshire in 2017, for her contribution to justice and the legal system, including her ongoing work to promote legal education.
Last year the University named its Law Court Building in honour of Grace.
Speaking at the event, Vice-Chancellor Quintin McKellar said: “Grace has had a hugely successful career to date and acts as an inspirational role model to so many of our students, past and present. She already shares her insights and experience with our students and colleagues, inspiring them to become the best that they can be and to help them reach their full potential.
“Grace, Hertfordshire is your university. You will always be part of our community and family. I am delighted to invite you to become a Visiting Professor at the institution, and I would like to thank you for everything you have done and continue to do for the Law School.”
Dr Grace Ononiwu CBE said: “I am proud to be an alumnus of this University and I am, of course, proud of what the Grace Ononiwu Law Court Building symbolises. It symbolises excellence, inclusivity, and pride.
“I want every student who walks through those doors to understand that whilst there are challenges along the way, anything that is not difficult usually is not worth having. They must keep their head up, be proud, keep focused, and always remember that when you hear no, that is not an answer, it is an opportunity. Success comes to those who are brave enough to try.”
The event comes in the same month Hertfordshire Law School received an impressive overall satisfaction score of 81% in the National Student Survey and jumped a significant 39 places in the Complete University Guide league table rankings, making it the highest riser in the East of England and second highest out of all UK universities.
The University’s law provision is delivered by a diverse range of current and former solicitors, barristers, industry professionals and researchers, enabling students to gain an excellent education alongside practical experience. Students can get involved in pro bono activities to help build their skills, including volunteering for the Law Clinic.
The University of Hertfordshire has also been authorised by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) to deliver barrister training, the first time a university has received approval since 1997. The Law School will deliver two vocational programmes, PgDL Bar Practice and LLM Bar Practice, with both courses starting in January 2022.