Maurice Doona

“I studied Law to fulfil a long-held personal ambition to achieve a law degree. Career and personal life had come in the way over the years, and this was coupled with a certain fear of returning to academic education after more than 20 years away from it. Friends of mine had completed the OU journey on other pathways. So, when I sought their advice, they encouraged me to pursue my ambition.

“I have been fascinated for many years at how the legal system impacts society both in the private and public sphere. The rule of law is fundamental to a fair and just society. I have long had an interest in promoting social justice through various voluntary activities. 

“The Open Justice module cemented my understanding of the challenges faced by people seeking a remedy to their legal issue as Litigants in Person (LiPs). Pro Bono experience in the Family Courts has provided me with a deeper belief in social justice. Access to Justice is fundamental to a better society.

“I volunteered at the Personal Support Unit, now known as Support Through Court. It was a humbling experience to witness and assist clients in navigating the family justice system. I learnt that Legal Aid provision is woefully inadequate in many parts of the justice system, following the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPO) 2012. This aided my understanding of how complex and daunting the legal system can be for those who do not have the financial means to pay for legal assistance.

“I realised that I possess practical skills to help clients through the family courts. This includes assisting clients with the paperwork, empowering them to take control of their personal legal issues, and helping them to work out and practice their oral submissions. This support led to increased confidence and reduced anxiety which, in turn, allowed the client a fairer hearing, where the other party may have legal representation. Hearings in the Family Court are private proceedings. It was a privilege to have been given access to the Court to assist clients at a vulnerable time, while they are seeking to protect the best interests of their children following the breakdown of relationships.

“I studied part time as I wanted to enjoy the LLB learning journey for the intellectual stimulation it offered. In addition, as with most OU students, I had to balance study commitments alongside my business life and career. The flexibility that the OU provided was ideal to achieve this. 

“Through the years I have built up both a successful business career and personal life. I wanted to qualify as a lawyer for many years to 'give something back'. The Open University has provided me with the opportunity to study the LLB combined with growing a successful business.

“Through my determination and support of my partner, I have succeeded in achieving the LLB with a first-class honours award. 

“The OU tutors were central to my success in completing the LLB through the online and in-person tutorials. The detailed feedback on the tutor-marked assignments helped me to recognise where I needed to make improvements. All my tutors were available by phone or email. I was particularly impressed that they contacted each student at the start of each module providing their contact details. In my experience, they were all very approachable and were there to provide a confidence boost when required.

“The skills development was the most fulfilling part of my study. I developed my critical thinking, analysis and succinct writing skills. It has given me the confidence to believe that I have the skill, knowledge and application to pursue a career change in middle age. 

“I am planning to further my studies and hold an ambition to contribute to the legal profession through a Masters of Laws course, to ultimately qualify as a barrister. I realise that I face challenges in pursuing my ambition, but I will tackle them with the same determination I found whilst studying the LLB.”