The topic of undue influence has intrigued me since my second year of my LLB; I then re-visited the subject during my taught LLM at the University of Birmingham in the ‘Banking Law’ module. Having then completed a dissertation on the subject, I realised there was a lacuna in the literature on this topic on how protective procedures are delivered to sureties by representatives of banks and solicitors. With the support of Dr Steven Vaughan I secured ESRC 1+3 funding for my thesis proposal relating to the ‘protective procedures’ in place for sureties entering bank lending transactions. The funding achieved included specialist research training through a MA in Social Research.
Whilst studying for my MA in Social Research, as part of my dissertation, I conducted a small socio-legal study. I interviewed a small sample of law students on how they chose the law firms they applied to for vacation schemes and training contracts. I hope in the future to publish this study as I believe it would be of significant interest to both law schools and law firms across the country.
My socio-legal interests are primarily based in commercial law and legal practice. However, after working as Magistrate Court Administrator for a year before my MA in Social Research, I intend to complete research into the administration of justice in Magistrate courts. I am particularly interested in the recruitment and training processes of Magistrates. I am also interested in the law of medical ethics and particularly interested in the law relating to abortion in Ireland.
I was made an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in 2017.