Former phone-hacking inquiry chair Sir Brian Leveson speaks at University of Suffolk

Why it matters: The visit by one of Britain's most distinguished legal figures highlights the growing prominence of the University of Suffolk's law programme and its commitment to connecting students with leading practitioners.

The big picture: The renowned judge shared insights from his 50-year legal career during the Thursday evening event.

• Sir Brian met with first and second-year students before delivering his lecture titled 'My Life in the Law'.
• The university's Legal Advice Centre hosted the event in partnership with the Suffolk and North Essex Law Society.
• It marks the second annual Law Lecture, following Lady Hale's inaugural address in 2023.

Key background: Sir Brian's career includes:

• Chairing the 2011 public inquiry into press ethics following the phone-hacking scandal
• Prosecuting Rosemary West in 1995
• Current role as Investigatory Powers Commissioner

What they're saying: "It is critical that you understand the challenges facing the people you are representing. Success can only be achieved if you put in the work and know more about the case than anyone else involved in it," Sir Brian told students.

Eleanor Scarlett, Director of the University of Suffolk Legal Advice Centre and Senior Lecturer in Law, said: "We were delighted to welcome Sir Brian Leveson to the University of Suffolk to share his experiences of the legal system over the last five decades."

The bottom line: The lecture continues the University of Suffolk's tradition of bringing leading legal minds to Ipswich, offering students rare access to figures who have shaped Britain's justice system. It also strengthens the university's reputation as a growing centre for legal education in East Anglia.