Who we are
The Groningen Centre for Legal Skills (GCJV) consists of a team of lecturer-researchers, student assistants and secretarial support:
Michelle Bruijn
My name is Michelle Bruijn, and I am a Professor of Regulation of Safety and Health the Department of Legal Methods. I am also the founder and project manager of the Groningen Centre for Legal Skills (GCJV). For the past nine years, I have been a lecturer and coordinator in several skills courses within the Dutch and English-language bachelor and master programmes. As an associate professor, I am involved in several research projects, in which research, writing and speaking skills are key competences. As project leader of GCJV, I will spend the next few years working on strengthening these skills within our faculty's teaching and continuing to innovate the teaching materials.
Els Schipaanboord
My name is Els Schipaanboord, and I am a lecturer and a PhD researcher at the Department of Legal Methods. I am also the student coordinator at GCJV. Over the past 10 years, I have supervised many students within both the Dutch and English language bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes, at universities in the Netherlands and abroad. Based on my experience, I have noticed hat students often face similar difficulties when conducting research and presenting their findings. As the student coordinator, I will spend the next few years working on enhancing these skills within our education and I will also be the contactperson for the student workshops.
Stefan van Tongeren
My name is Stefan van Tongeren, and I am an assistant professor at the Department of Legal Methods. I am also the academic staff coordinator at GCJV. Since 2017, I have been a lecturer and coordinator in the courses Legal Research Skills 1 and 2. In this role, I frequently observe that students struggle with conducting (legal) research, and that lecturers sometimes lack the time and resources to provide optimal support to students. In the upcoming years, I am dedicated to improving and strengthening skills education at our faculty, while also being a contactperson for academic staff members.
Lawrence Talen
My name is Lawrence Talen, and I am a lecturer in the Department of Legal Methods and Legal History. As a lecturer, I teach introductory law courses as well as several courses within the legal skills programme. During my studies, I came to realise how essential strong writing and speaking skills are for legal professionals. Having recently graduated myself, I am keen to bring my own experiences of developing these skills at the Faculty of Law to the GCJV!
Monique Noordhof
My name is Monique Noordhof, and I am the secretary of GCJV and the Department of Legal Methods. I am also an assistant-coordinator of the Student Moot Court and the Togamaster. In recent years, I have supported various courses, including the Thesis Preparation Program. I have an administrative and supporting role within the GCJV.
If you are a student or teacher and would like more information about the GCJV, please visit our Brightspace community. We can be reached at gcjv@rug.nl.