The President of the UK Supreme Court is heading to the University this Friday – specifically to chat with Exeter students.
David Edmond Neuberger – officially known as Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury – will join students in the University’s Alumni Auditorium at midday on Friday 29 January.
“His Lordship has specifically asked for a question and answer session with our students,” Dr Richard Edwards, deputy head of the Law School, told Exeposé.
The 68-year-old chief judge will give a short talk, followed by a Q&A session.
“This is a rare opportunity for [students] to quiz one of the pre-eminent judges of our age, about not only his distinguished career in the law but also current legal developments,” Edwards explained. “We’re all very excited!”
Third year Law LLB student Ammar Khan invited Lord Neuberger to the University after shadowing him at the UK Supreme Court last January.
“We ended the day with coffee together, got on well and I extended an invitation to him to visit Exeter University, which he kindly accepted,” said Khan.
Describing Neuberger as “one of the world’s finest legal minds,” he added: “a visit such as this will be difficult to rival – unless of course we can get President Obama to come and speak at Exeter!”
Kahn has set up a Facebook event for the talk, which all students are welcome to attend.
“Lord Neuberger himself studied Chemistry as an undergraduate,” he explained. “The legal profession is very diverse, which is why attendance from non-law students is being encouraged.”
No booking is necessary – but with over 1,100 students expressing an interest in Friday’s event, seats in the 400-capacity auditorium will likely be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Neuberger was sworn in as President of the Supreme Court in October 2012, after spending three years as Master of the Rolls.
The most senior judge in the United Kingdom, he was appointed by Her Majesty The Queen, after decisions from the Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and an independent selection commission.
“This visit is historic for the University,” said Khan.
“The opportunity to ask the President of the Supreme Court a question really is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
