University News Last updated 27 August 2014
A former Birmingham City University student and successful lawyer is among the outstanding former students to be honoured at Birmingham City University’s forthcoming graduation ceremonies.
Jimmy Ogunshakin graduated with a LLB Law (Hons) degree in 1992 followed by the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice in 2002, after a period working in banking and commerce sectors. He is being honoured as one of the University’s Alumni of the Year later this month, in the Community Engagement and Leadership category.
A former student barrister of The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, Jimmy has worked for a number of Local Authority departments including Birmingham and Leicester City Councils; in private practice he has worked at Wragge & Co LLP, Newsome Vaughan LLP, and latterly Anthony Collins LLP where he was a Corporate Associate Solicitor. He is a Solicitor Advocate, appearing for clients in the High Court, and recently represented a client in the Court of Appeal (Civil Division).
In July 2008, he founded Mayflower Solicitors, a specialist employment and commercial law practice. He works with a broad and diverse client base including a number of not-for-profit organisations and small businesses. The firm undertakes pro bono legal work for those who cannot afford to pay and who cannot obtain legal aid, especially in the fields of employment law, discrimination, housing and debt law. During this time Jimmy has been invited by BBC Radio WM to give legal commentary on the changes to Legal Aid and the impact on Access for Justice for the poor and vulnerable.
Jimmy is actively engaged in supporting the University’s School of Law, encouraging the next generation of students by providing input to the Faculty Advisory Board and the LPC Course Practitioner Liaison Committee, and by offering placements to current Legal Practice Course students.
On receiving the award Jimmy said: “I am truly humbled to have been nominated as one of Birmingham City University’s Alumni of the Year, it is completely unexpected. The work I have done with the university is simply because I feel that it is right for me to give something back. I have been blessed with the education that I have received to date and it is only right that I share this and provide opportunities for others to access.”
Jimmy will be receiving his Alumni of the Year Award at the University’s Graduation ceremony taking place on Wednesday 3 September at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham.