For the Fun of the Game

From the PBL Area in the Law and Sociology Building to the Piazza where law students convene for seminars and plenaries, there is seldom a moment that isn’t tense. As text books and laptops are arranged like cards and chips, wagers are put forth as bids for 2:1s and first classes are made to secure much coveted vacation schemes, mini-pulillages and training contracts. With the formidability of such stakes, law students at York often find it hard to make time to enjoy for themselves, or in the company of friends and fellow classmates. Nevertheless, that is exactly what Nnamdi Nduka-Eze and Oliver Saffet-Cole seek to accomplish as Sports Secretaries of the University of York Law Society through their weekly football and netball sessions.

“… we try… to make it as fun as possible. Give people a chance to have a break from their studies.” Saffet-Cole remarked.

“Law is a heavy degree. So it’s nice to have a chill time one evening a week.” Nduka-Eze stated in concurrence.

As regular football players themselves, the duo of Sport Secretaries understand the importance for levity from what can sometimes be maddening competition defined by clashes of opinion and egos. Ones that occur within and between classrooms and libraries while writing legal skills reflections, carrying out PBL research, listening to Sean Thomas pontificate, and being hypnotized while staring at Jed Meers’s colourful slides. In order to accomplish this, Nduka-Eze and Saffet-Cole decided from the start that it was essential to adopt an approach contrary to those employed by teams affiliated with the colleges at York.

“Some of the other options to play sports at the Uni can require a bit of commitment… I think it’s good to get to play without weekly training sessions before matches every week. You can just come when you feel like it; when you want to play. That’s the big thing we wanted when we started.” said Saffet-Cole.

The removal of practices and the pressure to refine one’s talent for a sport has not only proven fruitful by increasing turnout, but has also bolstered the likelihood of participants returning.

“Every week, about 12 to 16 people turn up. Sometimes, I have to sit out, or Oli has to.” Nduka-Eze chuckled, “It’s made things more fun; people have come and stayed because of it. It’s nice to see them come and try it[netball and football] out, and see them come back next week and the weeks after.”

With increased and sustained turnout, this has allowed Nduka-Eze and Saffet-Cole to expand the scope of their events beyond the weekly sessions. This has taken the form of friendly rivalry matches against MedSoc, a matinee showdown against EconSoc (which saw LawSoc fall short by a single goal in tightly contested game), and a Charity Tournament to advance University initiatives.

“For the Charity Tournament, the proceeds go to the York Opportunities Scholarship which is run by OPPA [Office of Philanthropic Partnerships & Alumni], which funds university students at York who do not have enough finances to handle their expenses.” said Nduka-Eze.

Despite being able to assist students at York with overcoming monetary hurdles, the duo were not exempt from obstacles of their own. Even as a dynamic athlete who played football, handball, rugby and tennis prior to his tenure at York Law School, Nduka-Eze, much like Saffet-Cole, had never played a shift of netball.

“Part of the challenge with that was not only did we have newcomers, but we had a lot of netball regulars, so it was about bridging the gap, and making sure we came across, and were fully engaged. We may have only played football in the past, but we want to see equal force given to each sport.” Saffet-Cole stated.

Even with this strategy, the Sports Secretaries knew they weren’t going to impress everyone.

“Some people stopped coming, but overall, numbers have risen. So you weigh your pros and your cons, and there’s a net gain.” said Nduka-Eze.

A gain Saffet-Cole and Nduku-Eze credit through the early guidance of former Sports Secretary Ase Anifowose, who was instrumental in the duo’s seamless transition into managing the sporting sessions for the York Law Society.

“We went to Ase… who took the lead with us observing. We also killed two birds with one stone — the sessions were more fun for the casual players when we weren’t hot for the rules, and it’s helped in terms of areas we don’t know about net ball.” remarked Saffet-Cole, “It’s allowed us to simplify it… which makes it easier for people to have fun and easier to adapt.”

An adaption the pair appears to have had little trouble executing. An execution which has helped bridge social chasms between law students from different years. A fostered cohesion Nduka-Eze attributes to one particular element of his approach:

“Know their names. It’s so important.” Nduka-Eze stressed, “We talk about bridging the gap between first years and third years. When a first year shows up to a match and they know you know their name, it keeps them in the loop, and allows them to keep enjoying the session.”

A sense of endearment Nduka-Eze picked up from another past Sports Secretary — Tega Palmer-Ikuku.

“He always stopped and had chats with different sorts of people in attendance. Small things like that allow you to build and maintain some sort of connection with LawSoc.” Nduka-Eze said whilst  fondly recalling his former mentor.

A connection Saffet-Cole and Nduka-Eze hope, and are confident they will leave behind along with some advice as they endeavour to pave careers along the solicitor-route with the former of the two looking to eventually work in Commercial Sports Law even though much remains to be set in stone:

“… in terms of being informed by this experience [as Sports Secretary], it would be to make sure you make time for activities outside of your academics. Even just planning and organizing sessions is a nice break the day-to-day rigours of a degree. I think when you are transitioning into a career, it’s making sure you are taking a break and coming back fresh.” contemplated Saffet-Cole.

“… it’s about making time for other things and finding balance.” Nduka-Eze emphasized in concurrence with his co-secretary.

Balance. The result of fair play regardless of the game and the stakes. Whether it is football, netball, or something that is played through a wager of textbooks and laptops. Regardless of the 2:1’s, the first classes, and all the scores settled between the tense moments in plenaries and seminars. From the PBL Area in the Law and Sociology Building to the Piazza and beyond.

Socialising Between Boundaries

With the fall term past, and now part of the University of York’s illustrious 49 year history, numerous societies around campus have wasted little time seeking to expand their current memberships, and to organize events to engage the university’s greater student body in an academic year that will be free of Covid Regulations. Among these respective societies hoping to establish a wider presence spanning from Longboi’s dwelling outside Derwent to the lonesome straits of Langwith & Constantine College is the York Law Society. 

Filling its schedule with the York Races, the President’s Welcome at Yates and numerous careers networking opportunities, tickets were quickly reserved by returning students whose zest for setting foot in Heslington for their second or final years was matched by first years swarming between every lecture hall from West to East Campus like they do at Flares and Salvos on a Thursday or Friday Night. But despite the white noise of amalgamated laughter transpiring over pints and glasses sparkling with Gordon’s or Prosecco, ensuring a good turnout at a venue appropriate for the nature of certain events hasn’t come without challenges. Challenges York Law Society Social Secretaries Millie Smith and Kayleigh Bonner, both in their final years of study, seek to address before the time comes for them to don their caps and gowns, and pass into a world beyond the idyllic confines of North Yorkshire. Yet, in seeking to accomplish their objectives, a new contract signed between the York Law Society and The Stonegate Group — a hospitality organization which owns several bars and restaurants in York and all over the United Kingdom — has helped remove several hurdles from the track.

“I feel this contract with Stonegate… has made it easier to organize things to have just one direct person to speak too. We just contact him and say we need a venue, this is the type of event we want to hold, and this is the rough amount of numbers.” said Smith.

“We… make commission back from what people spend on the night which is helpful because that then goes into funding other socials, things like netball and football, and other things the law society wants to undertake.” Kayleigh Bonner remarked.

But despite a more centralized communication process with venues and new avenues to increase, and raise much needed revenue to host events, the largest obstacle has been organizing socials consistent with the law society’s broader emphasis on accessibility.

“Being in York, there are many independent places. This unfortunately comes with a lot of difficulty as… most independent places are in listed buildings.” said Smith.

“We’ve had events in the past that may have been at smaller venues or listed venues which aren’t accessible to people with certain disabilities and additional needs. Initially, when we started looking at places, we focused on physical disabilities. But some issues that have been raised have had to do with sensory disorders — ensuring the music isn’t too loud, the lighting is suitable…” Bonner stated.

Still, even with increased awareness with respect to the plethora of health requirements and disabilities that hamper certain students more expressly than others, raising this need to accommodate has come with much reluctance among several venues around York.

“Another challenge we’ve had is venues not being particularly open to dietary needs. Being at University, there are a lot of people with dietary requirements and choices. It’s quite difficult to come across venues that will help us out.” Smith said. Nevertheless, the dynamic duo of Social Secretaries have not been left to their own devices to weather the mine field that can sometimes be student disabilities. One person who has proven instrumental to Bonner and Smith’s early success is the presence of Matthew Parkinson, the law society’s diversity chair.  Parkinson’s experience and insights as a wheelchair user have proven essential in Bonner and Smith’s ability to execute plans for events.

“Its just even asking a question: Should we be aware of this? We’re looking at this venue, what would your take be?” Bonner said.

“I would say as an example, the Races Day we held. It was a question of being able to board the bus. Are they going to be able to get people in wheelchairs? When you get to the racecourse, is that accessible? Every event we hold, we want to make sure everyone can attend. Someone in a wheelchair or on crutches not being able to attend is not inclusive. Before we ever circulate ideas for events, we check with Matthew first.”

Despite Parkinson’s help manifesting as a pillar of strength for the York Law Society Committee, his position was something the law society was without up until the election of the new committee last winter.

“I’m really surprised his role didn’t exist before… It was a role we voted to add this year.” Kayleigh Bonner remarked, echoing a shock parallel to what she felt when she learned there was no diversity officer as recent as of less than twelve months ago. But with each passing season comes an opportunity for change. A change that comes with opportunity. An opportunity the law society has seized in its initiative to foster an inclusive and accessible environment.

Outside of the support from members on the LawSoc Committee, another element that has lent stability to Bonner and Smith’s roles as Social Secretaries is a friendship that first began during a law society netball event. Yet, despite their seamless chemistry, some might say this is a working relationship predicated on circumstances which seem more unlikely, especially from Bonner’s point of view.

“I’m a lone wolf. I prefer to do things myself because I know I can rely on myself to get the job done.” Bonner laughed, “So I think taking on a role which is a two person job has been quite interesting… Pushing myself out of my comfort zone and knowing there is someone there I can rely on and work is really helpful.”

Outside of her comfort zone, Bonner isn’t just comfortable, she appears to be thriving alongside her partner in crime which has translated into rave reviews with respect to their efforts at the York Races and the President’s Welcome.

“It [President’s Welcome] was the first thing we organized together… and our feedback was overwhelmingly positive… Blowing up 25 balloons in the space of half and hour was probably not the best idea. But seeing everyone enjoy it makes your hard work pay off.” Bonner recalled before she and Smith once again traded laughs. Laughter and results they endeavour to replicate as they seek expand the York Law Society’s accessibility initiative to not only those with disabilities, but to non-law society law students and non-law students. As a society known for its trademark events such as the Careers Dinner and the Fall Ball (Spring Ball this year), the York Law Society’s reputation as a society defined by its formal deposition is what often proved alienating to students of the aforementioned groups. Another barrier, a perception Bonner and Smith seek to change if not break down.

“Something we’re holding for the first time… is a Flares night on Thursdays. A lot of the sport societies have weekly socials on Wednesdays so we didn’t want to clash with that. We’re actually surprised at the amount of people that have agreed to go out with the law society. I think that has something to breaking down the formality of studying law… You can be dressing up and going to court on Thursday morning and let your hair down in the evening.” Bonner stated.

“Our flares Thursdays are open to everyone - you don’t have to be bound by law son - just make sure to keep an eye out on social media for upcoming flares nights.” Smith remarked.

“I think for us, what’s really important is… Making sure all years are represented as well. From first year right up to people who are doing a masters and PhD if they want to get involved, especially Senior Status.” said Bonner

While Bonner and Smith share the same objectives with respect to what they seek to accomplish as the Social Secretaries of the University of York Law Society, their paths once their tenure as LLB students comes to end appear to diverge. That said, their time in the law society still predominantly informs their professional goals despite how varied they might be.

“I’ve completed one vacation scheme but there’s no harm in applying for more. I’ll be looking to start a training contract in 2025, which means I’ll be taking a year out. During that time, I’ll be looking to travel. There are so many life lessons and when you’re in a career, you can’t get out, so I want to make the most of it now. I think my role as Social Secretary has made me more confident, and I’ve realized I have what it takes to do a lot things — to solo travel, to apply to firms I didn’t think I had a chance and make them a possibility.” said Smith.

“I don’t want to go down the traditional root of being a solicitor or a barrister. I want o use my law degree in a similar aspect and look at the more criminological side of things. I’m looking into working as a prison officer or working in the police. For me, law was always a focus on society and how people interact with the law within the study of the law itself… With my role on the committee, its that reassurance that its people I want to work with. In the end of the day, that’s what I enjoy doing. I enjoy supporting other people, and working with people to better themselves in life. Both the prison service and the police will be outlets to embrace that.” stated Bonner who once aspired to become a Criminal Defence Barrister, an objective she has not ruled out circling back to entirely, “I’m never going to say never. I might come back to it later in life.”

Poised to board different ships set to sail from the same harbour, one thing is evident: Bonner and Smith’s eagerness to understand and embrace different people and different ideas is what in turn feeds their tireless efforts to engender a law society which socializes between boundaries. Boundaries which become all the more illusory if not non-existent each time there is congregation between students regardless of disability; of whether they are a law or non-law student; of whether they are or are not part of the York Law Society or any other respective society; of their beliefs and values; and of what walk of life they may be in. From Longboi’s dwelling outside of Derwent to the lonesome straits of Constantine and Langwith College.

'Tis the Malmaison

As students rush to finish their formatives before heading home for the holidays, the Christmas Market is once again in full swing. With hot chocolate and mulled wine finding their way into eager hands and mouths thirsting to drown, yet enliven, the whole of York City Centre beneath laughter which echoes beneath stars that glitter as bright as an ornamented Christmas tree, the York Law Society, as a parting gift, will convene one last time on November 30th in order to give its members one last chance to leave Santa Claus a kiss under the mistletoe. Put on your top hat, straighten your white ties, and polish your coattails law society — the careers dinner is less than a week away.

Set to take place at the Malmaison this year, fewer numbers are expected as a result of fewer firms being willing to send representatives. Nevertheless, with tickets selling out in less than three minutes after two successive rounds of release on the YUSU website, the York Law Society is anticipating a full house for its signature event where attendees will be slated at a different table with a different firm through the starters, the mains, and desert. And despite being less successful at courting a greater quantity of firms to send personnel to engage with law students in the hunt for a vacation scheme or a much coveted training contract, the quantity is certainly far from diminished with spokespeople arriving from DLA Piper, Herbert Smith Freehills, Walker Norris, Norton Rose Fulbright, and the much revered Slaughter & May. But how does all this Christmas magic happen? Better yet, who made it happen? The individual waving the wand is no other than the Careers Dinner Organizer — Anna Carter.

Aware an exponential number of the York Law Society’s vast membership will be in attendance due to the noteworthiness associated with the Careers Dinner, establishing an environment where guests will feel comfortable and welcome was one of Anna’s top priorities — a pair of elements which were missing at last years iteration of the event.

“I want people to feel this dinner is for them. I’m aware students may not know everyone attending due to the vast membership of the society.” Carter stated via email, “The Malmaison was my top choice for the event, I feel it puts a modern twist on the concept of careers dinner. Staging the dinner in a more modern environment will inevitably be an environment students find themselves in more often as opposed to ancient banqueting halls.”

Breaking with tradition in order to allow its membership to feel at home isn’t just Carter’s goal; it’s an initiative shared by the rest of the York Law Society Committee. Especially when it concerns accessibility.

“I was keen to prioritize a venue which championed accessibility through access and having disabled toilets located nearby. The venue last year was stunning, however wheelchair access was harder due to narrow corridors and place settings.” Carter remarked, reverberating an obstacle other members on the committee have experienced in the past with respect to securing spaces for events. One of the biggest challenges in York is that most venues are in listed buildings — which tend to be unfriendly to customers with various health needs — whether it’s the size of the room, the volume of music vibrating over speakers, or a menu with choices to few to accommodate for allergies or other dietary needs. Another reason why Carter picked Malmaison. “ I want everyone to have a positive and enjoyable evening and not be concerned about adapting to the venue, the venue should adapt to them. I want people to feel as comfortable as possible regardless of their needs. The Malmaison has been great in adapting menus to suit all needs.”

Exercising a compassion as tireless as her efforts, Careers Dinner is far from Carter’s first ball. An experience which has allowed her to brisk through the hurdles of coordinating ticket sails, seating plans, and negotiating with law firms to send representatives with a calm, almost effortless grace. A grace she hopes to carry on when she seeks to carve out a career in commerce or non-profit.

“I’m keen to… work in in the business and charity sectors, so I’d say having experience planning a ball will be helpful going forwards with fundraising events and activities.”

But as she looks forward to November 30th — a day where every member from the York Law Society will be looking forward too — only one thing will be on her mind: whether laughter will spill from the tables, and out the doors of the Malmaison. Joining that which already echoes beneath the stars glittering as bright as an ornamented Christmas Tree. Casting aside the lone shadow hiding beneath the mistletoe.