Melissa Askew

Melissa Askew is the Head of Law at Leeds Beckett University, overseeing all academic Law courses. A solicitor with prior experience in tax planning at a commercial law firm, she transitioned to academia in 1993 as a lecturer. She held roles at the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), contributing to the development of the Legal Practice Course and legal education policy. Her focus includes postgraduate legal education, employability strategies for students, and quality assurance in legal qualifications.

• Affiliations: Leeds Law School, Leeds Beckett University
• Key Roles: Head of Law, Legal Education Policy Developer (SRA), Governor of the Further Education Group of Colleges

Her research interests center on enhancing employability for law students, aligning legal education with industry needs, and advancing legal practice standards. She collaborates with higher and further education institutions to contextualize Leeds Beckett’s Law courses within broader educational frameworks.

Teaching responsibilities include the Postgraduate Legal Practice Course, covering modules such as Business Law and Practice, Wills and Estates, Interviewing/Advising, and Solicitors’ Accounts.