AddThis SmartLayers

Journalist Dodd is called to the Bar

Press Association media law specialist Mike Dodd has qualified as a barrister and been called to the Bar at Middle Temple.

Mike, (55), who has been a journalist for 36 years, studied part-time for his law degree at Thames Valley University and a Master’s degree in Child Law and Policy at Brunel University.

He completed his Bar Vocational Course at the BPP Law School in Holborn in June.

During his study Mike, (right), continued as a copy editor at PA, where he has worked for 25 years, and is currently a legal advisor, dealing with editorial issues, contempt of court, reporting restrictions and defamation.

He also helps regional reporters to challenge unreasonable or unlawful reporting restriction orders and is deputyeditor of PA’s bi-monthly legal journal Media Lawyer. He will continue to work for PA four days a week.

Mike said: “Being called to the Bar is the realisation of a personal dream.

“It’s been hard work, but well worth it. I am looking forward to the further challenges it will bring, and to using the knowledge and experience I have gained in my work at PA and at Media Lawyer.

“I also hope to be able to play some small part in defending press freedom, which I believe is under a growing threat, from the courts and politicians.”

Since gaining his law degrees Mike has also taught media law on journalism courses and at seminars and acted as an external examiner for the media law element of the postgraduate journalism course at Trinity and All Saints College, University of Leeds.

Mike was the first journalist to raise the alarm over proposals for reform of the law on juvenile crime reporting when the bill, which subsequently became the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 2000, was initially published.

PA editor Jonathan Grun said: “Mike’s knowledge of media law has been an asset to The Press Association for many years and I am delighted that he has achieved his goal of qualifying as a barrister.

“His legal briefings and advice are invaluable to our reporters.”

Mike now hopes to find a pupillage under a senior practising barrister in order to finish his legal training.

Back to the law index

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]