Cathy Meredith

I studied Law at Dundee University and it was here that I decided to become a solicitor. After completing my LPC at Northumbria University (with distinction), I became a trainee solicitor in Manchester City centre. I worked as a solicitor at three leading national law firms, two in Manchester (Whittles Solicitors and Laytons Solicitors) and one in Belfast (Tughans Solicitors). I really enjoyed working as a solicitor and I was involved in all aspects of employment law and corporate support, working with some very inspiring colleagues and on great projects.

I am keen to promote equality in the workplace and to help achieve this I am a Co-Chair of MMU’s Working Parents and Carers Forum and I contribute to MMU’s Athena Swan submission. I am also a member of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Board and a DVC Academic Advisory Group. I won a staff award in 2022 for my outstanding contribution to equality work at the University.

I was chosen by MMU to take part in the Aurora programme, Advance HE’s leadership initiative for women. I am looking forward to developing my skills and using these in my workplace.

I have also completed the Professional Development Course for External Examiners. I found this extremely valuable. It has developed my understanding of academic standards and professional judgement in Higher Education.

Outside work I sit as a magistrate. I also play hockey and enjoy the gym. Team sports, in particular, have always helped me quickly become part of a community. I am still playing hockey for my local hockey club and it continues to provide me with a sense of belonging and family that has always been important to me. 

Academic and professional qualifications

Professional memberships

• 2021 - Justice of the Peace
• 2017 - Fellow of The Higher Education Academy
• 2004 - Membership of the Law Society of Northern Ireland
• 2002-2007 - Membership of the Law Society

Academic qualifications

• 2020 Manchester Metropolitan University - Professional Development Course for External Examiners
• 2007 Manchester Metropolitan University - PGCERT Academic Practice, Distinction
• 1999-2000 University of Northumbria - Legal Practice Course, Distinction
• 1995-1999 University of Dundee - LLB (Hons) Law, 2:1

Other academic service (administration and management)

Legal academic teaching experience

2007-Present Manchester Metropolitan University, Senior Law Lecturer

Working for MMU for over 15 years, I am an experienced lecturer and I have developed strong communication and leadership skills, having been involved in a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and units.

Specific roles include:

• Law School Employability Co-ordinator
• LPC Subject Leader: Employment Law and Practice and Interviewing and Advising
• LPC Lecturer: Business Law and Practice, Drafting, Practical Legal Research, Taxation and Writing
• LLB in LP Subject Leader: The Practice of Company and Partnership Law
• LLB Lecturer: Employment Law and Legal Professionalism and Ethics
• LLB marking team: Law in Practice
• LLM: Dissertation supervisor