4 minute read
Grace Ononiwu Event
On Thursday 7th 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.
Grace, who was appointed Director of Legal Services for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in April 2021, graduated from Hatfield Polytechnic (now the University of Hertfordshire) in 1988 with a degree in BA (Hons) Law and Social Sciences, before qualifying as a solicitor three years later. She then joined the CPS and rose quickly through their ranks. Not only was Grace the first Afro-Caribbean Chief Crown Prosecutor in the UK, but she was also the first woman to hold the position in Northamptonshire, the East of England, and West Midlands regions. 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. She received a CBE in 2019 for her services to law and order.
Last year the University named its Law Court Building in honour of Grace. The recent celebratory event began with Grace hosting an inspiring Q&A session for all Hertfordshire Law School students. The students were very keen to ask Grace lots of questions covering a range of topics including her career path following graduation, the main challenges she faces in her current role and how she has balanced her career with being a parent. When asked what her 3 top tips for the students would be, Grace said:
“Work hard and know your business, mind your business and when someone tells you no, no is not an answer it is an opportunity."
The Q&A was then followed by a networking event which gave Hertfordshire Law School students a fantastic opportunity to talk to employers and former students about their career journeys. We were delighted to be joined by solicitors, barristers and representatives from Hertfordshire Police, the Crown Prosecution Service and prison officers from HMP The Mount. The evening celebrations began with a drinks reception and a performance from the amazing B Positive Choir. This was followed by the official naming of the Law Court Building and the unveiling of the Law School alumni wall which showcases some of the Law School’s most successful and inspiring alumni including Grace. It was also announced that Grace would return to the University as a Visiting Professor.
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.”
When addressing Grace’s role as patron of Hertfordshire Law Clinic, Diana Kirsch, Associate Dean Enterprise and Director of Pro bono, said:
“Grace’s genuine commitment to the clinic and her interest in our students ensures they are always delighted to see her…Grace is an inspirational champion for our students and she has an unparalleled ability to challenge them to achieve their potential.”
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.
