Alumni profile

Lucy Winskell

I began my three-year undergraduate law degree in October 1981. I was 17 years old, straight out of school. And on the first day, terrified. There were about 40 in the class, the gender balance was 50/50 male/female, and the A level grades we'd all got were extremely high, notwithstanding the offer being three Bs.

In those days, we received grants, [unthinkable now!] and on day one I teamed up with a friendly looking girl who, like me, was trying to find the Finance office to receive a cheque. Off we went to Claremont Terrace [now demolished]. 40 plus years later, she is still one of my dearest friends.

I enjoyed the three years, and particularly all the law students being in the same building in Windsor Terrace. There was a sense of "belonging" and after a while the 2nd and 3rd year students became less intimidating in our eyes and friendships were struck. The lecturers were also friendly and approachable. I didn't appreciate at the time that my personal tutor, Professor Bill Elliott, was probably the leading academic on Evidence and much revered. To me, he was just an avuncular, supportive staff member and only years later did I recognise what a star he was. I wouldn't be remembered as the most outstanding student academically, but I attended all the classes and tutorials and emerged with what was then an acceptable 2:2, a place at Guildford College of Law secured, plus articles lined up in a large Newcastle law firm.

I immersed myself in student life joining NUTS, the Newcastle University Theatre Society, which took itself very seriously, and I recall taking a lead role in Bertolt Brecht's Man Equals Man, but then allowing more frivolity into the dramatical endeavours, joining the inaugural American Musical Society, and loving every minute of performing in West Side Story. We performed either in the Gulbenkian Studio or the main stage of what was then called the University Theatre [now Northern Stage]. I still frequent it now.

First year was in Ethel Williams Hall, Four Lane Ends [now demolished] and then two years in a very smart flat in Jesmond which overlooked Jesmond Dene, had under-floor heating and as a consequence my flat mate and I received many visits from our friends living in fairly run down student accommodation in Jesmond, Heaton, Fenham and Benwell .

There were many parties, lots of Sunday walks in Jesmond Dene and trips to Tynemouth. Arrangements were made and stuck to: there were no mobile phones to re-arrange anything or tell friends you were running late. Level 2 in the Union Building was a regular haunt, both to eat, and to see bands.

By the third year, I somehow was elected as President of the Eldon Society and with great support from an enthusiastic committee, and much encouragement from the Faculty staff, we arranged social events, mooting competitions, balls and a programme of visiting speakers.

The majority in our year went to become solicitors, with just a handful going to the Bar - where they have flourished. Eighteen months ago, we arranged a reunion, in Newcastle, with almost of all the year group reconnecting. A joyous weekend, much laughter, old photos and memories of dodgy haircuts and outfits. We were delighted to revisit the law school - a highlight. Whilst the building is slightly re-figured, the "feel" of the place is unchanged.

Where did my career take me? After Solicitors' Finals at Guildford College of Law I joined what we then one of the largest solicitors' firms in Newcastle, Wilkinson Marshall Clayton and Gibson, choosing that firm because they had one female partner! A rarity in those days. That firm went through several mergers and eventually became Eversheds Sutherland. Some growth from the 13 partners when I joined in 1985.