The Director is Carolyn Pike, a Birmingham Alumnus who qualified as a solicitor in 1985. She was awarded Honours in the Solicitor’s Finals course. Having been an Associate in private practice in Birmingham until 1991, Carolyn came to the University initially as an Honorary Lecturer teaching on the LLB and on the LPC course. In 1992 Carolyn commenced working, part-time, within Legal Services.
Carolyn was appointed Director of Legal Services in 1998 and deals with a wide variety of non-contentious matters which include Property matters, drafting Codes of Practice for the University, dealing with staff grievances, charity matters, governance issues, dispute resolution, managing litigation, managing external legal advisers and other strategic issues. She is also the University’s Data Protection Officer.
David Ash d.ash@bham.ac.uk
The Deputy Director is David Ash, who joined the University in the summer of 2005. He holds a Law Degree from Sheffield University and qualified as a solicitor in 1980. He worked as an assistant solicitor and partner in private practice before joining the Royal Air Force in 1986, where he served as a legal officer until his move to the University.
Dave deputises for the Director when required, and deals with all matters covered by her apart from property matters, ensuring compliance with the Data Protection and Freedom of Information Acts; advising on and drafting complex agreements; advising on student complaints and appeals; research ethics; funding and procurement agreements; and leading on specific projects within Legal Services.
Diana Dawson d.m.dawson@bham.ac.uk
Diana was admitted as a solicitor in 1988 and worked in private practice, with a large city firm in Birmingham until 1998 when she joined the University as a Property Lawyer.
Diana has responsibility for the majority of property related transaction including large commercial sales and purchases, together with commercial leases. She drafts complex property and specimen documents for use by University departments. Since May 2005 Diana has also taken over responsibility for commercial contracts, sponsorship agreements, collaboration agreements and publishing agreements.
James Piggott j.t.piggott@bham.ac.uk
Having qualified in 1988 James worked in private practice in Coventry and Warwickshire until 2004 when he joined the University.
James has a varied portfolio, including all aspects of the University’s relationship with the NHS, licensing, race equality and disability issues, student complaints and appeals.
