Elena is a vibrant and passionate Senior Lecturer in Law at DMU, where she’s been making waves since joining in 2021. With over nine years of experience in Higher Education, she’s not just shaping minds—she’s igniting a love for legal scholarship in every student she meets. As a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Elena is dedicated to fostering intellectual curiosity and empowering the next generation of legal professionals.
Elena’s academic journey is as impressive as it is inspiring. She earned her PhD in Law from The Open University in 2023 with her thesis, "Assisted Dying Law Reform: Overcoming the Painful Process that Leads to a Painless Death." This fully funded research explored how a compassionate and well-structured legal framework in England and Wales could be achieved by considering key elements like autonomy, capacity, and vulnerability in the assisted dying debate.
Before embarking on her PhD, Elena was called to the Bar of England and Wales by the Honourable Society of Gray's Inn, following her successful completion of the Bar Course (BPTC). She also holds an LLM with Distinction in International Commercial Law, awarded under the Jubilee Scholarship in recognition of her outstanding academic performance during her LLB(Hons), where she graduated with First Class Honors. Elena’s commitment to excellence has seen her present at numerous national and international conferences, further cementing her reputation and expertise in the legal field.
But Elena’s contributions don’t stop at teaching and research. She’s also the Academic Skills Success Coach, helping students master the art of OSCOLA legal citation with confidence. Additionally, she has spearheaded the "Ace Your Assessments" initiative, a fantastic resource designed to help DMU students excel in their studies, which is also available on YouTube.
In the classroom, Elena brings legal theory to life. Whether she’s leading a seminar on contract law, diving into the complexities of arbitration, exploring the nuances of medical law, or lecturing on constitutional rights, she’s all about creating a dynamic, engaging, and intellectually stimulating learning environment. Her teaching philosophy centers on critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and nurturing a deep understanding of legal principles, ensuring her students are not just learning but thriving. Elena is truly an inspiring educator, dedicated to seeing her students succeed every step of the way.