Dr Lolwa Alfadhel
In 2024, I joined the University of Westminster as a Lecturer in the Centre for Education and Teaching Innovation, where I support student development through mentorship, career guidance, and lectures. With over 17 years in higher education, my background includes a PhD in Intellectual Property and Commercial Law and and an LLM in Public International Law from Queen Mary University of London and an LLB from the University of Westminster .
I previously lectured at Anglia Ruskin University and Queen Mary, teaching a wide range of legal subjects. My research experience includes roles with the Royal United Services Institute and LexisNexis, combining academic inquiry with a commitment to student growth. My work continues to bridge research with education, reinforcing my commitment to the academic and personal growth of my students.
As Module Leader for Introduction to Academic Skills (3ACHE03FW), a foundational course for law students, I help students transition into higher education and strengthen essential academic skills. In addition to leading this module, I contribute to other foundational courses that support skill development. My teaching approach emphasises collaboration, understanding students’ unique needs, and fostering an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives. I engage students as active participants, creating a dynamic atmosphere that promotes critical thinking. This partnership enriches the learning experience and helps build supportive relationships, empowering students, especially those from non-traditional backgrounds, to achieve their potential.
My research is focused on Intellectual Property Law and International Trade Law, along with a dedication to advancing teaching practices within legal education.
My PhD explored Intellectual Property and Commercial Law, particularly trademark enforcement in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. This study analysed legal frameworks for protecting intellectual property in rapidly evolving digital and trade contexts. The research underscored challenges faced by foreign brands in the GCC, shaping approaches to strengthen trademark protection and counter counterfeiting.
Currently, I lead a five-year research plan, "Strategic Framework for Advancing Intellectual Property and International Trade Law Research (2024-2029)," which aims to deepen understanding of IP issues in the GCC, particularly regarding digital transformation and international trade agreements. This project covers topics such as artificial intelligence’s impact on IP law, enforcement mechanisms across jurisdictions, and commercial law’s evolution in digital marketplaces, with outcomes shared through academic publications, conference presentations, and workshops.
In teaching, I am engaged in developing innovative methods, especially through projects integrating student partnership into curriculum design to foster critical thinking. My educational research also addresses attainment gaps, working to create anti-racist and inclusive curricula. I welcome collaboration on intellectual property enforcement, the digital economy’s legal challenges, student partnership, and initiatives promoting equity in education.