Southampton Law School alumni presented with Honorary Doctorate at 2017 Graduation

On Thursday 20 July, the University of Southampton presented Dame Jennifer Roberts with an honorary Doctor of Letters.

The Honourable Mrs Justice Roberts graduated from Southampton Law School in June 1986 with a first-class degree. She was called to the Bar by Inner Temple in 1988 and enjoyed a successful career, taking silk in 2009. Dame Roberts was approved to sit as a Deputy High Court Judge in 2012 and became a justice of the High Court in June 2014. She now sits full-time in the Family Division. Following the presentation, Justice Roberts met with staff and students from Southampton Law School.

Dame Jennifer Roberts also generously offers Marshalling opportunities to up to two second year students of Southampton Law School, giving them an unrivalled opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the work of the High Court (Family).  

Professor Brenda Hannigan, Head of the Law School, commented   ‘We were delighted that the University chose to honour one of our alumni in this way. Mrs Justice Roberts is a terrific role model for our students, showing them how a brilliant legal career evolves in stages from university to legal practice to public service as a member of the judiciary. We are very grateful to her for her generosity in providing marshalling opportunities for current Law students and we are very pleased that her service to the law and legal education has been recognised by this honorary degree’.