While the University’s name may have changed in the past two decades, the three-year Law LLB (Hons) undergraduate course remains home to a member of the Butt family. Zulekha Butt, currently in her second year, is set to graduate from the University’s Business School in 2022 – 25 years after her parents Nadeem and Rozina did, back in 1997.

After graduating together from the then University of Luton, Nadeem and Rozina established Butt Solicitors in 2004, based in the town and specialising in criminal defence. Zulekha, who was inspired by her parents love for law from an early age, hopes to work in the family business once she has completed her studies.

On repeating the study path of her parents, she said:

“To follow my parents into law in this way is an unmatched feeling. Since I was young, I could not see myself going into any other field.

“I’ve always looked up to my parents and taken on their advice. They always say to make the most of my studies and complete all work to my full potential, for complete understanding of any module.

“Having a law firm bearing the family name provides a rare opportunity and I hope to take up a position there one day. It is something I have always wanted – to work for the family business, uphold its values and carry it on into the future – and I am blessed to be able to do so.”

Zulekha’s inspiration – her parents – have found equal pride in seeing her pursue a career in the legal field. Her mother Rozina looks back on her own time at the University with fondness:

“When Nadeem and I were at the University it was much smaller than it is now, and the Law degree was very new. We were blessed in having excellent tutors and the general buzz around campus was positive and fresh.

“With Zulekha taking the same course, it has brought back a lot of memories, particularly when she speaks about lecturers such as Tariq Khan and Chris Dixon – the same that we had in our day!

“We didn’t particularly foresee Zulekha following us into law. She was interested in teaching but, after becoming curious about what our job entailed, found the field of law fascinating. We are really pleased about the path she has decided to take.”

Chris Dixon, Senior Lecturer in Law and LLB Course Coordinator, said:

“I think that Zulekha’s mother and father must be very proud of their daughter who is following in their footsteps and maybe following them into the family firm of solicitors. 

“Zulekha is proving to be an excellent student on the LLB and is an active member of the Law student community. She has fantastic potential and I look forward to seeing her progress and succeed with her legal studies at the University. 

“I personally feel very privileged to have taught Law to two generations of Zulekha’s family and to have made a contribution to legal education in the local community.”

The University’s Law LLB (Hons) course can be studied at both the Luton and Bedford campuses. Visit the respective web pages for further details.

For more information about Law degrees at the University of Bedfordshire Business School, visit: www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/departments/businessschool