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Crikey, we’ve just finished week 5! Time is flying, which is not something one wants to happen when one is in final year. This means therefore that we’re already half-way through the first semester of our ultimate year of our undergraduate lives. They do say time flies when you’re having fun, so that must be what’s happening, as we, at Cardiff, are certainly having a lot of fun. Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve had another Law Society social, which was a big success, with people dressing up for the Rubik’s Cube theme. I went pretty much all out and was sporting lime-green trousers, a bright yellow top, a light blue v-neck and orange and red socks. I did look a mess if I’m honest, but did fit right in to the theme of the night.

We’ve also had many socials that we’ve attended with various law firms and academics, as it seems to have been a rather busy fortnight in the Law School. CMS Cameron McKenna, Allen & Overy, Eversheds, Professor Simon Hix, Sir Trevor Phillips and various other academics have organised events with the Law School, which has of course entailed a reception before or after their respective presentations (meaning good nibbles and good wine).

Lecture-wise, we’ve, as you’ve probably already predicted, had some brilliant lectures with the legendary Professor Luxton (who you may remember from my last entry). He has begun teaching us about secret trusts now, which (yes, you’ve guessed it) meant him whispering ‘secret trusts’ into the microphone. He’s also got into the habit of saying words which even he finds impressive, causing him to pause, repeat the word in question and say “Gosh! That’s a wonderful word; must remember that one!” which naturally makes us all laugh.It’s lecturers like this, I feel, that truly inspire people, as they bring a subject to life, which if taught any differently, could become very dry and, let’s face it, not all that interesting. We’ve also got a new lecturer for EU Law, Professor Stijn Smismans, who has the Jean Monnet Chair at Cardiff University, meaning he is one of the most renowned EU Law professors in the country. He has begun to inspire his students and often draws on interesting anecdotes of his own in order to bring the subject to life. He has also started introducing pictures of his young nephews who are ‘guiding’ us through the difficulties of decision making in the EU. Strange some of you may think, but it does indeed help us to remember certain aspects of EU law and how competences are distributed amongst the EU and its Member States.

As I’m sure you’ve gathered already, it’s been a bumper few weeks at Cardiff Law School with a lot going on. I am, as I write, preparing myself for another cracking week next week which shan’t be in Cardiff but in the Capital of the UK, London. I’ve managed to secure a work experience placement (not a mini pupillage as the man in question doesn’t do mini pupillages) with the legendary and hugely renowned tax barrister, John Gardiner QC. I am thrilled to have been offered such a placement and shall, of course, let you know how it goes…