Dr Uche Lloka has dual status as a solicitor in England and Wales and a barrister in the Nigerian Supreme Courts. He is a Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy and a Lecturer in Law at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland. And an Associate member of the Society.
What or who made you consider law as a career?
I grew up in a family of lawyers, so law was always part of my environment, and it naturally shaped my early interest in the profession. Beyond that, I was especially drawn to charities and the not-for-profit sector, because they often achieve the most with the least resources. I believed that strong legal support could help them navigate complex regulatory landscapes while still delivering real social value. My interest in entrepreneurship also made me curious about business law and supporting start-ups, which strengthened my motivation to pursue a legal career. Alongside this, my curiosity about how the world works… particularly questions of international law, diplomacy and global governance… led me to explore how these systems interact with the not-for-profit sector. This eventually became the focus of my PhD research.
Over time, a desire to give back and to help develop the next generation drew me towards academia. I enjoy helping people realise their potential, so teaching felt like a natural extension of my professional life.
Today, I work as what I describe as a “pracademic” combining legal practice and academic work. I have practised as a solicitor of England and Wales since 2012, and as a barrister and solicitor in Nigeria since 2006, alongside my career as a senior lecturer in law since 2016. This blend of practice and teaching continues to shape how I understand the law and how I support those coming into the profession, and why I remain passionate about it.
You are currently Research Degrees Coordinator at RGU. Please tell us about your current role and career to date.
In my current role as Research Degrees Coordinator, I support our postgraduate research students throughout their journey, from initial enquiry through enrolment, supervision, progression and final examination A key part of my work involves ensuring that students have a strong research environment and culture, clear processes, as well as the pastoral and academic support they need to thrive. I work closely with colleagues across the School of Law and Social Sciences and the Graduate School to maintain quality, monitor progress and strengthen our research culture.
My wider career combines practice and academia, and I have worked across teaching, supervision, programme development and external engagement. These experiences shape my commitment to building an ambitious and collaborative research community and to helping students produce work with both local and global significance. For example. earlier this year, I organised an international research conference at the University, which brought together 100s of scholars and practitioners from different jurisdictions. That experience further reinforced my belief in the value of creating spaces where ideas can be exchanged, research can flourish and our students can feel part of a wider intellectual community.
You are an Associate member of the WS Society. What were your first impressions and what made you become a member?
My first impression was how warm, supportive and intellectually generous the Society is. From the outset, I found the staff exceptionally helpful, and the access to the Society’s library has been invaluable for my ongoing research into the history of charity law in the UK and its global influence across common law jurisdictions. The support I have received in this work has been quite noteworthy. I also became a member because the Society provides an environment where academic and professional conversations genuinely flourish. The Special Interest Groups (e.g. The Charity SIG), in particular, stood out for their openness. Their willingness to hold a virtual round table specifically for my charity law students so they could engage directly with practitioners on the full life cycle of charities was an extraordinary gesture, and it showed me the Society’s commitment to nurturing the next generation.
What would you say to someone considering WS membership?
I would say it is an excellent community if you are looking for a place where learning, collegiality and professional curiosity truly matter. The Society offers access to high quality resources, thoughtful discussion and a network that is generous with its expertise. Whether you are joining for research support, professional development or the chance to connect with people who share your interests through the Special Interest Groups, it is a space where you can grow, contribute and feel part of something meaningful