Mastermind winner inspires Bangor Law students
Dr Shaun Wallace, Senior Barrister at Great St James Str
Senior Barrister and TV personality Shaun Wallace (left) with Professor Dermot Cahill at Bangor Law School's 10 year anniversary weekendeet Chambers, London, recently attended Bangor Law School’s Alumni Weekend, where he inspired Bangor Law alumni with his fascinating life story. Shaun is also equally well known for his role as one of the country’s leading quiz players, his most famous conquest being his success in winning BBC One's Mastermind in 2004, as well as having been on BBC Two's Eggheads, Channel 4's 15-1, and BBC One's The Weakest Link. Today he is probably best known for his lead role as the 'Dark Destroyer' Chaser on ITV's The Chase.
Told at the age of 11 that he would either end up in prison, or stacking shelves, Shaun went on to graduate and subsequently qualify as a barrister in 1984. He has served as an advocate in many leading criminal trials up and down the country, including the complex Operation Trident criminal trials.
Shaun’s story is a true inspiration for all young people. He has learned a few important lessons in life, which he shared with the Bangor Law alumni, who were celebrating the 10th anniversary of Bangor Law School, which now ranks no.1 in Wales according to The Guardian’s latest league tables.
Commenting on Dr Wallace's lecture, Professor Dermot Cahill, Head of Bangor Law School stated: “Shaun’s message was simple. It had three parts to it: first, you cannot do anything about the past, but you can certainly shape the future – this was something that he urged the alumni to keep in mind, and also, when they are giving advice in turn, and giving back to other young people. Second, never overestimate yourself, and never underestimate your opponent – this is a harsh lesson that Shaun learned, not only when he was participating in quiz shows, but also in the criminal courts. He enthralled the students with many riveting stories of quiz shows that he was convinced he would win, but ultimately, was defeated by an underestimated opponent, and so he learned valuable lessons in that, which then served him well when he went on to win Mastermind in 2004. Third, the final message that he wished to impart to the students is probably the most inspiring, namely – always seek to give advice to young people, while realising that your advice and encouragement may be the key thing that inspires them to achieve their dreams, and not pigeonhole themselves that other may have categorised them as failures, or as under-achievers”.
He added: “He himself is living proof of this, because while academically, in school, he did not achieve very strong grades, he has gone on to become a graduate, a barrister, and master of several national TV quiz shows, which are his passion, along with his lifelong support for Chelsea (which the alumni were prepared to forgive him for!)”.
The School of Law is already in discussions with Dr Wallace as to how they can further strengthen their relations, and welcome Shaun back on to campus in the future.
The 10 Year Anniversary Weekend saw 184 current and former staff and students attend a full weekend of activities, including football competitions, a BBQ, and seminars and panel discussions. In addition to Shaun's key note appearance, guests of honour included the Vice Chancellor of Bangor University, Professor John Hughes; the Chancellor, Lord Elis-Thomas AM; The Law Society's Head of Wales, Lowri Morgan; Tribunal Judge Keith Wilding; Upper Tribunal Judge David Williams; Professor Gillian Davies of Hogarth Chambers; Professor Thomas Watkin, former Head of Bangor Law School; and First Legislative Counsel to the Welsh Government; as well as local practitioners (barristers and solicitors).
Contemplating the success of the weekend, Stephen Clear, Lecturer in Law and Lead Coordinator for the activities, stated: "it was a privilege to welcome back so many of our alumni who are now enjoying much success both in and outside of legal practice. In addition to Dr Wallace's address, one of the highlights was a panel discussion with local practitioners pertaining to starting up your own law firm. Chaired by Andrea Knox, of Knox Commercial and Insolvency Solicitors, with panelists including Julie Burton of Julie Burton Law, and Bangor Law School graduates Andrew Nelson and Claire Myatt of Nelson Myatt Solicitors, the session facilitated a fascinating discussion as to the opportunities, challenges and pitfalls of starting up your own law practice. Another session, led by Aled Griffiths, Honorary Research Fellow, and Sheila O'Neal, the University's Executive Director of Development, saw graduates Erin Wynn from Gwynedd Council's Legal Department, David Darlington from Fieldings Porter LLP, and Joshua Simpson from Swayne Johnson LLP discuss ways in which Bangor Law School alumni can continue their association with the University post-graduation”.
He added: "The buzz in the room, and the subsequent social media activity pertaining to the success of all the activities, has been amazing, and a fitting tribute to the success Bangor Law School has enjoyed over the course of its first ten years”.
Publication date: 9 October 2015