Law student recognised at national awards ceremony

A Master’s degree student from the University of Wolverhampton has won a national award for her commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal industry.  

Jodiann Gayle, from Walsall and studying for a Master of Laws, has won the Law Student of the Year award at the Inspirational Women in Law Awards held at Clifford Chance, London, recently.  

Jodiann, the founder of Legal ‘n’ Able, has established a platform dedicated to making the legal profession more accessible. Through Legal ‘n’ Able, she passionately advocates for students with additional educational needs, empowering them to achieve success both in education and in their careers.  

Her strong performance in national public speaking competitions and leadership skills in bridging the gap between the law and everyday people, combined with her passion for social justice, was also recognised.  

A graduate, an award winner and founder of Legal ‘n’ Able, Jodiann has achieved these despite her own disability.  

Jodiann has also been nominated for two awards at the Potential Unlocked Awards 2025 to be held in Birmingham. She has been nominated for the categories of Academic Excellence and Inspirational Person of the Year.  

Reflecting on her award win, Jodiann said: “This recognition means so much. It’s not just an honour, but a celebration of my resilience and the power of understanding my disability and pursuing my passions wholeheartedly.  

“Standing alongside some of the most inspirational women in law, I could hardly believe I was among them. Even now, I’m still in awe receiving congratulations that make this achievement feel all the more incredible. 

“Winning this award has been a powerful encouragement and it’s moments like these that truly ignite one’s self-belief. 

“Having also been nominated for two Potential Unlocked awards, this acknowledgment is made even more meaningful by the outpouring of support from friends, colleagues, students and University staff who have believed in me. Their encouragement has been incredible and humbling.  

“The work I do isn’t always easy, but I thank God that it feels natural to me. If through my efforts I can make a difference for even one person, I consider that a significant accomplishment.”  

On her future targets, Jodiann said: “My ambition is to harness all the transferable skills I’ve gained to continue breaking down barriers for disabled individuals and to support students along their journeys.  

“My goal is to become the best commercial lawyer I can be, catalysing change in the profession and one day, establishing my own practice. 

“This journey is a dream in progress, and I’m excited to see where it will lead.”  

Anyone interested in studying courses in the University of Wolverhampton Law School should check out the website or book a place for one of our forthcoming Open Days.