Ana Speed

Ana Speed is an Assistant Professor in the Law Department at Northumbria University. She holds a PhD in Law from Northumbria (2022) and qualifications including a BA in Sociology from the University of Birmingham (2009). Her roles include supervising clinical students in the Student Law Office and co-teaching the International Family Law module. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Authority and a visiting lecturer at Euro University of Bahrain.

Education:

• PhD in Law, Northumbria University (2018–2022)
• Legal Practice Course, Northumbria University (2011–2012)
• Graduate Diploma in Law, College of Law (2009–2010)
• BA (Hons) Sociology, University of Birmingham (2006–2009)

Research Interests: Ana focuses on civil law responses to domestic abuse, including barriers to legal protection, post-Brexit cross-border challenges, and the impact of legislative reforms like the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. Her work emphasizes vulnerable communities and pro bono legal services.

Key Achievements:

• Co-editor of the 2024 Research Handbook on Domestic Violence and Abuse
• Recipient of the 2018 LawWorks Pro Bono Award for her student-led project
• Hosted international conferences on gender-based violence (2020)

Advising & Grants: Supervises students in law clinics and policy research. Secured funding for conferences through the Modern Law Review (2020). Collaborates with North East Legal Support Trust.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Policy/Law Reform Clinic and Student Law Office, providing free legal advice to the public and training students in family law advocacy.