A Quantum Leap For First Class Steve

Online, August 25, 2010 (Newswire.com) - First class law graduate from the University of Sunderland, Steve Oliver, has won the Quantum Law LLP Best Equity and Trusts Student award for his outstanding academic performance.

Steve was named the best student on his course for his finals results, and was awarded first class honours in each of his modules.As a mature student Steve made the radical decision to leave work to become a full time undergraduate after a career in which he began as a civil servant before running his own business in food manufacturing and then being a consultant for VAT fraud.

Steve says joining the University of Sunderland's Law School is the best decision he's ever made. "Although I sat the entrance examination for Oxford and Cambridge I came up to Sunderland and was so impressed with the lecturers and the range of innovative, practical modules such as crime and terrorism that I decided there and then to apply for its law degree.

"The experience has been better than I could have imagined, and has made me reconsider my future career. I set out determined to enter legal practise, but after my experience at Sunderland I feel drawn towards an academic career. I intend to study for the New York Bar examination and I am considering research areas for a PhD here at the University," he said.

Quantum Law LLP is delighted to present its award to Steve Oliver. This is the first year it has sponsored the award, which includes £100 of Waterstones' vouchers.
Steven J. Smith, senior tax and trusts partner at Quantum Law LLP said: "We're keen to work closely with the University of Sunderland's Law School. Steve's passion for the subject and all-round excellence in his studies makes him a perfect recipient for the award."

Ben Middleton, Senior Lecturer and Law Programme Leader at the University of Sunderland, believes this year's law graduates are exceptionally well-equipped to enter the legal profession. He said: "Steve's performance and this award show the significance of the student experience at Sunderland. "

The University of Sunderland's law department has won a clutch of prestigious national awards. It was ranked first in the UK in the 2009 National Student Survey for five of seven aspects of final year programmes. Sunderland was the only law department to achieve a 100% satisfaction score in the NSS survey 2009, and the only UK university to achieve the same 100% student satisfaction in the Guardian league tables 2011.

Newcastle-based Quantum Law has particular expertise in tax and trusts as part of its client-centred wealth management practice. Mr Smith said: "Growing concerns about uncertainties in the current tax legislation mean that it has never been more appropriate to seek out specialist professional advice. Our clients like the fact that they receive a personal service and appreciate our in-depth approach."