Oxford Brookes University Lecturer named as OUP’s Law Teacher of the Year

We are delighted to announce that Marc Howe, Principal Lecturer in Law and University Teaching Fellow at Oxford Brookes University has been awarded our Law Teacher of the Year Award for 2022. Following a rigorous judging process, which consisted of campus visits from the judging panel, observed teaching sessions, and interviews with the finalists' students and colleagues, Marc was selected for his exceptional approach to teaching and development of his students.

More specifically, the judges highlighted Marc’s “undiminished passion for teaching and uncanny ability to bring the law to life and provide students with a learning environment in which they can believe in themselves” as some of the main factors influencing their decision.

We caught up with Marc to find out more about his journey into the teaching profession, greatest professional achievements, and messages for those looking to pursue law at university.

Could you tell us about your background and your journey to achieving this award?

I am a former practising solicitor, and prior to my current role in the School of Law at Oxford Brookes I taught civil and criminal litigation and advocacy at the Oxford Institute of Legal Practice. At the heart of my teaching philosophy is the desire to bring the study of law to life, combined with a commitment to experiential learning. My teaching seeks to bridge the academic and the professional, and over the years I have worked closely with students, colleagues, and practitioners in encouraging and developing student participation in courtroom advocacy and client interviewing, both as part of the curriculum, and in the context of co-curricular activity.

What does winning this award mean to you?

I feel absolutely delighted and deeply honoured to have won this award, which recognises the central importance of teaching in university law schools.

What has been your greatest achievement during your career so far?

I am very proud of the successes that my students have enjoyed in national and international advocacy and client interviewing competitions over the years. I was also incredibly honoured to be awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy - winning the OUP Law Teacher of the Year Award is something which I also consider as one of my proudest achievements as a university lecturer in law.

Do you have any messages or advice to give to students or those looking to study law?

As a law student, take every opportunity to meet practitioners and to get involved in co-curricular and pro bono activity. When you are deciding upon areas in which to practise, choose areas of law in which you are passionately interested, and in which you feel that you will be able to make a real difference for your clients.

Is there anyone you would like to shout out or give thanks to?

I should like to express my thanks to all the students, colleagues, lawyers and judges who have inspired, encouraged and supported my teaching over the years in which I have had the pleasure and privilege of being a university law lecturer.

Congratulations once again to those shortlisted for Law Teacher of the Year 2022, namely:

• Tamara Hervey, Jean Monnet Professor of EU Law at City, University of London
• Jeffrey Kennedy, Lecturer in Criminal Law at Queen Mary, University of London
• Adam Shaw-Mellors, Senior Lecturer at Aston University
• Andy Unger, Associate Professor at London South Bank University