Staff testimonials
Hear from some of our staff and find out more about what it's like to work in our School.
Professor Sara Fovargue
Professor in Law
"I joined the School of Law in January 2022, having worked elsewhere for over 20 years. I have found the School to be a welcoming and friendly place and I really enjoy coming in to work. Colleagues from Criminology and Law are well integrated, and there are a number of modules on which we teach together. This is really exciting and can be challenging too, and students undoubtedly benefit from seeing different approaches to the same topic or issue.
Colleagues in the School have a wide range of research interests, and as well as our three research centres we are developing research groups to reflect our strength in particular areas, such as health law and children and the law. We actively support colleagues to develop their careers, including through seeking promotion. With a growing number of funded early career contract researchers in the School, we are also committed to developing and supporting our future academics.
We are very fortunate to have a strong and committed team of professional services colleagues who keep the School going and the academics on track. The level of support provided is exceptional and makes a huge difference to academics and students alike."
Adam White
Senior Lecturer in Criminology
"I’ve worked in the School of Law for 8 happy years. My colleagues are not only friendly and supportive but also highly motivated and pioneering in their respective fields. It is a great place to conduct research and to be inspired by the work of others. It is also a fantastic place to teach and supervise, with inquisitive and hard-working students and an amazing professional services team working tirelessly to create an efficient and welcoming learning environment. Moreover, we get to do all this in a beautiful Grade II listed building situated near the centre of a lively campus which is in turn located in the heart of a great city."
James McVeigh
Senior Student Experience Officer
"Having the privilege of supporting students at Sheffield’s School of Law has been both an eye-opening and rewarding journey. As part of the prestigious Russell Group, our institution fosters an environment that celebrates diversity like no other. Every day, I encounter students and staff from a range of backgrounds, each enriching my world with their unique perspectives and needs. This variety keeps my work dynamic and constantly challenges me to grow as a member of our dedicated professional services team.
No two days are ever the same. I could be helping an international student adjust to their new environment one moment, or guiding a new ECR colleague through navigating university resources the next. The challenges I face range from tackling complex academic issues to offering support and guidance during difficult, stressful times. However, the immense satisfaction of empowering people to thrive in this demanding environment fuels my passion and motivates me to go the extra mile.
If you're seeking a role that offers both intellectual stimulation and the opportunity to make a real difference in young lives, then working at the School of Law is an experience I wholeheartedly recommend. The diversity of our student and staff body fosters continuous learning, while the ever-evolving challenges push you to your professional best.”
Rivka Smith
Research Associate
"I first stepped through the doors of the School in 2009 as a first year undergraduate law student. If you had told me then that I would be working here in 2024, I would never have believed it. My desire to work in the School of Law was not only due to its internationally renowned reputation, but was rather testament to its vibrant, collegial and welcoming community of staff and students alike. For anyone considering whether Sheffield is for you, I would urge you to apply!"
Julie Bradley
Operations Manager
"I joined the School of Law in 2018 initially as a Finance Officer, before branching out into Operations Management. I enjoy the varied nature of the role and I’ve always felt supported and valued by a great group of passionate, skilled professional service and academic colleagues.
I love working at the School, it’s a friendly, encouraging environment with an emphasis on development and opportunities for all. I appreciate the freedom to create a way of working that works for me. Learning every day, there have been lots of opportunities to get involved in key projects that contribute to the bigger picture in the School and across the Faculty.
It is a welcoming workplace that cares about its staff and students. There are regular wellbeing walks, sustainability initiatives and a lovely wellbeing wild garden to eat your lunch in!"
Kayode Akintola
Lecturer in Corporate Insolvency Law
"The School of Law is a great place to work. Colleagues in the School, both professional services and academic, are exceptionally welcoming and helpful. This makes it easy to settle into the demands of your new role. The School also offers a spread of opportunities to develop your leadership capabilities in the course of your employment. This is in addition to oodles of support from the School leadership team to facilitate your career progression. The School promotes a healthy work-life balance as it is unapologetically committed to staff wellbeing. Another striking aspect of the School is its commitment to inclusivity - everyone, staff and students included, has a voice here."
Jiahong Chen
Lecturer in Law and Departmental EDI Director
"Having joined the School of Law in June 2021, I have been enjoying both working here and living in the city. The School has a supportive and collegial culture and I feel I can meaningfully contribute to the education, research and leadership of the department with the support from colleagues and dedicated teams. Promoting diversity and inclusivity on campus is something that I am always passionate about, and the School has the right vision, leadership, processes and investments that have made me feel encouraged and able to pursue those initiatives.
Sheffield is also an incredibly green and vibrant city to live in. Whether you prefer outdoor activities or cultural events in your free time, you will find something exciting here. Being so close to the Peak District National Park, I can see how easily Sheffield has topped the chart for being the city of having the highest number of trees per person in the entire Europe!"
Gillian Hutchens
University Teacher and Law Clinic Coordinator
"Having worked as a solicitor in private practice for 20 years, I took a voluntary redundancy opportunity route to 'early retirement' when I was 55. Within a few months I was ready to get back in to work and this was when I became aware of an opportunity at the University to work in the FreeLaw clinic, supervising law students in a clinical legal education setting.
I have been here for over 10 years now and I thoroughly enjoy working at the University. It has been fantastic to have this opportunity for a career change so late in my working life, and working with young people is both inspirational and rewarding. My transition into teaching has been supported by some amazing colleagues. I work in a great team which was recognised by being highly commended for the 2022 Vice-Chancellor's Award for Learning and Teaching in Collaborative Activities. The university is a great place to work where your efforts are supported and your achievements rewarded."