Lecturer Spotlight: Lindsay Conchar

What's your role at D&A College, and what's the story behind how you ended up here?

Hello!

I am a Lecturer in the Social Sciences Department and I specialise in the legal and criminal justice units. I studied Law at RGU as an undergraduate and postgraduate. Prior to joining D&A College, I had been working in this field for a considerable length of time, so Law has always been the foundation of my career.

I reached a point in my legal career where I knew that I wanted to share my knowledge and passion for law in a different way, but I wasn’t sure how. The College just happened at the right time for me. I started in the Learning & Digital Resources team, then I became a Lecturer for Essential Skills and Social Sciences. Now I am solely based in Social Sciences however, I have had the pleasure of working with so many teams and staff across the College through project work, shared curriculums, short courses, etc.   

So, work is one thing, but what's the scoop on your life outside these college walls? Any exciting projects or weekend adventures?

Slightly less weekend adventures than before as my son has recently turned one – so he is keeping me occupied!

However, I have also been busy with my new venture: Scots Law Talks. Our goal is to make law accessible for all, so we offer events to local communities across Scotland with the aim of sharing legal knowledge and with generating interest in law.  

In our current talk, “The Guilty Act”, the audience become members of the jury. As we delve into true crime cases, they must decide whether they will find our main character, Mr Ramsay, guilty or not guilty.

We have a range of talks, workshops and events planned for 2024 so exciting times ahead!

If you had to ditch your current expertise for something entirely different, what subject would you dive into, and what's the reasoning behind your switch up?

Good question!

I would probably go into horticulture. I really got into gardening during lockdown, and it has stayed with me since. I love being outside, away from my laptop and pottering about.

Every seed that is planted is done so with hope – I really enjoy that aspect. Especially as the fields of law and crime can be quite sad and frustrating at times.

I also have a not-so-secret crush on Monty Don that might be influencing things! 

If you could have any person, dead or alive, as a guest lecturer in your class, who would it be and why?

It would have to be Professor Dame Sue Black. Her stories are absorbing. I am a bit of a fan and got through her 2 books at lightening speed! Her passion and determination to uncover what has happened to victims of crime from their remains is inspiring. She also grew up in Inverness so I guess we would have that in common!

Share with us the most valuable piece of advice you've picked up on your academic adventure, especially when it comes to navigating the ins and outs of your subject.

Law as an academic subject can be terribly wordy and convoluted, but it is also absolutely fascinating. Whether it is human rights, being summoned to a criminal court, accepting employment, or buying a new phone contract; law surrounds us every day.

The advice that always worked for me was:

“If you can’t confidently explain it in your own words, then you don’t understand it well enough.” With law, the trick is to break it down. Break down the terminology, break down the judgments and then it will start to make sense.

Personally, I always wanted to know why something was being introduced or changed. Once I understood the consequence or result of a new law or appeal, it would stick. This is why I like to use scenarios with my students, as once you add humans into the mix who will have their lives altered as a result of these changes, it tends to be the ‘lightbulb’ moment.

Look out for more lecturer spotlights coming soon!