We are proud to present the Open Justice Centre podcast!  The OJ Podcast will feature talks with current students, alumni, partner organisations, law academics and OU staff that will focus particularly on the pro-bono and public understanding of law activities of the centre.

Please check back regularly for new podcasts from the Open Justice Team.

The Open University's Open Justice Centre Podcast: Episode 1 with Steven Sutherland

This inaugural episode features Open Justice Intern Stacy-Jane Haigh in conversation with current OU Law Student Steven Sutherland, who talks about his experiences of studying law as someone who is sight-impaired and also the projects he has been involved with or instigated in the US, South Africa and at home in Scotland. A transcript of the podcast is available at this link.

The Open University's Open Justice Centre Podcast: Episode 2 with Sonia Seran

Open Justice Centre Intern Stacy-Jane Haigh presents the second episode of the Open Justice Centre podcast. This episode features Stacy-Jane in conversation with Open University Law alumni Sonia Seran who talks about founding the organisation SEN Law which provides an advocacy service for SEND parents to access support and navigate educational provision using the law, as well as her experiences of studying with the Open University. A transcript of the podcast is available at this link.

The Open University's Open Justice Centre Podcast: Episode 3 with Gary Steel

Open Justice Centre Intern Delia Chin presents the third episode of the Open Justice Centre podcast. This episode features Delia in conversation with Open University Law alumni Gary Steel about his career as a Social Welfare Lawyer specialising in employment and discrimination law at Derbyshire Law Centre. 

Gary shares his insights into what it is like to work in these areas of law, how and why he chose to work for a free advice agency and what skills and experiences you need to develop to work effectively with vulnerable clients.

A transcript of the podcast is available at this link.

The Open University's Open Justice Centre Podcast: Episode 4 with Patricia Thomson

Open Justice Centre Intern Delia Chin presents the fourth episode of the Open Justice Centre podcast. This episode features Delia in conversation with OU alumni and chair of the Open University Law Society Patricia Thomson. Since stepping into the role in 2024, Patricia has been instrumental in creating opportunities for distance students through advocacy workshops, mooting competitions, and networking events across the UK and beyond.

The discussion covers topics such as leadership, accessibility in legal education, advocacy, and Patricia’s own journey into law.

A transcript of the podcast is available at this link.

The Open University's Open Justice Centre Podcast: Episode 5 with Sharon Hewes-Lewington

Open Justice Centre Intern Delia Chin presents the fifth episode of the Open Justice Centre podcast. In this month’s episode Delia speaks to OU alumni Sharon Hewes-Lewington who is now a family law caseworker in the family team at Suffolk Law Centre. The discussion covers topics such Sharon’s study journey at the OU, qualifying via the CILEX route and insights into the working life of a family law caseworker.

A transcript of the podcast is available at this link.