Yesterday, KS4 and IB1 students had the opportunity to reimagine the field of law through an interactive workshop led by Dr Nigel Spencer from the School of Law at Queen Mary University of London.

Dr Spencer began the session with an insightful overview of careers in the legal sector, challenging the traditional perception of law as simply the study of legal rules. Instead, he emphasised that modern legal practice is increasingly connected to real-world issues such as human rights, geopolitics, technology, data, and climate change. . After all, the “lawyer of the future” may take many forms - from trusted advisor navigating complex environments, to strategic partner supporting organisational change, to data-informed professional identifying patterns and risks, or collaborator working across disciplines.

Through this broader lens, students were encouraged to see law as a discipline that engages directly with the complex challenges shaping today’s global society.

Evolving Beyond Possessing Knowledge to Interpreting Information

A particularly compelling theme throughout the talk was the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the legal profession. Dr Spencer explained that AI is not replacing lawyers but rather transforming the nature of legal work.

“The key is to shift from simply possessing knowledge to interpreting information and making thoughtful decisions based on it.”

As technology becomes more integrated into the profession, future lawyers will need to work alongside AI tools, critically evaluate information, and apply informed judgement in increasingly complex situations.

Curiosity and Dedication Key In the Future of Law

Dr Spencer also introduced students to the idea that legal careers are becoming less linear and more dynamic. Instead of following a single, predictable pathway, many professionals now move across different roles, sectors, and areas of expertise during their careers. In this evolving landscape, adaptability, curiosity, and a commitment to lifelong learning are essential qualities for the next generation of legal professionals.

A valuable and practical part of the session focused on how students should approach choosing a law degree. Dr Spencer encouraged students to think beyond university rankings and to consider questions that will shape their overall experience and future opportunities. Among the factors he highlighted were the balance between knowledge and practical skills within a programme, the availability of work experience opportunities during the degree, and whether universities provide hands-on exposure through initiatives such as legal clinics or real client work. He also emphasised the importance of strong student communities, opportunities for engagement beyond the classroom, and the level of career support and employer connections offered by each institution.

Beyond UFOs: What Aliens Can Teach Us About Human Rights

Following the presentation, students participated in a highly engaging Human Rights workshop titled “What if aliens took over Earth?”. Using this imaginative scenario, Dr Spencer invited students to explore how fundamental human rights might be understood and applied in unfamiliar or extreme circumstances. Through discussion and debate, students considered questions about fairness, power, and the protection of rights, demonstrating thoughtful engagement with the ethical and legal principles that underpin human rights frameworks.

The workshop provided a creative and memorable way for students to engage with complex legal ideas while developing their ability to analyse scenarios, debate different perspectives, and apply legal reasoning.

We extend our sincere thanks to Dr Nigel Spencer and Queen Mary University of London for visiting St. Catherine’s and delivering such an insightful and thought-provoking session, helping our students better understand not only what they might study in the future, but also how they will need to think in a rapidly changing world.