Alumnus and local law firm director awarded honorary degree

Alumnus and Director of Lawdit Solicitors, Michael Coyle was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Law from Southampton Solent University on Thursday 13 July 2017. 

Michael formed the company back in 2001 and since then, Lawdit and Michael have represented clients in the courts of England and Wales, as well as giving aspiring solicitors from Solent University a platform from which to learn, train and qualify as solicitors. 

He qualified as a solicitor in 1997 and in 1998 undertook the LLM in Intellectual Property at Solent while working in private practice in the city.  

On receiving his honorary degree, Michael said: "This day isn't about me, however wonderful this award is. It wouldn’t be possible without the students from Solent University who have lent their support and have encouraged my firm over the years to help them progress into the law field."  

In 2001, Michael founded Lawdit, offering specialist services in intellectual property and IT law, focused on, but not limited to, SME businesses. The firm has offered a number of innovative services to the wider business community such as TradeMarkRoom.com, Protectyourdesign.com and Staylegal.co.uk  

In 2003, he qualified as a Solicitor-Advocate and has recently started a course to become a Notary Public. 

Michael has not forgotten his time as a student at Solent; he and his firm continue to support the University through lecturing and working with our students in practice workshops. 

Michael finished his speech with some top tips for graduates: "Law can be a brutal industry, it can be exhilarating and also disheartening – it is driven by money and driven by time. We encourage people to not forget where you have come from on your journey to becoming valued members of the law profession, but also valued members of society. 

"Work experience is key, knock on every door possible, don’t take no for an answer and never give up. Be a nuisance and by being a nuisance and having the personality and the moral compass, you’ll get there. But never give up."