St Mary’s Law Lecturer Attains PhD

Dr Judith Bourne, Law Lecturer at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, recently attained her PhD on “Helena Normanton and the Opening of the Bar to Women” from King’s College, London. Helena Normanton was the first woman to be admitted to an Inn of Court after the passing of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919 and was called to the Bar in 1922. Dr Bourne’s thesis recorded Normanton’s fight for both formal and substantive equality. Dr Bourne, who holds degrees from the University of Westminster (LL.B Hons and an LL.M), joined St Mary’s in September 2013 after working at London Metropolitan University for 12 years as a Senior Lecturer. Prior to academia, she was a practising barrister and also spent 18 months as a Legal Adviser to the Magistrates’ Court.  Speaking of her recent PhD success she said, “I’m delighted to be awarded this degree, and I’d like to thank my family, friends and colleagues for their encouragement and support”. Since joining St Mary’s Dr Bourne has helped develop the University’s presence in the field of law, and in November 2013 she set up The Centre for Law and Culture with fellow Law Lecturer Thom Giddens. The Centre is a hub for promoting research and scholarly activity related to law and culture and hosts a monthly lecture series with a variety of academic guest speakers. To find out more, click here.