Jacob Meagher, a law student at Cambridge University, is taking legal action against the prestigious institution after he failed his PhD and claims his career as a barrister was significantly delayed.
Meagher alleges that he was subjected to disability discrimination and victimization during his time at Cambridge, leading to the failure of his law PhD.
He is seeking substantial damages, arguing that the university’s actions put him at a considerable disadvantage and affected his academic and professional future.
Allegations of Discrimination and Unfair Treatment
Meagher contends that his PhD journey was marred by a series of setbacks, including a fallout with the university that forced him to restart his PhD in 2019.
He claims that he was given a single supervisor who didn’t hold a formal position in the Faculty and was left without an advisor.
This lack of support made it harder for him to complete his 100,000-word thesis, putting him at a disadvantage compared to other students with similar abilities.
In court, he argued that the conditions placed on him were less favorable than those given to his peers.
Impact on Health and Career Prospects
One of the central points of Meagher’s case is the impact of his oral defense, or ‘viva voce,’ in which two examiners questioned him about his thesis.
He alleges that this examination caused significant harm to his health.
Meagher failed the viva, which he claims cost him the opportunity to join a specific set of barrister chambers, resulting in a substantial loss of potential earnings.
Court Rulings and Legal Proceedings
The case details came to light after a court ruling denied Meagher permission to sue the university’s academic staff, although it allowed him to proceed with the university as a defendant.
The ruling described Meagher as a PhD student at Cambridge, noting that he did not pass his viva and issued a claim against the university for disability discrimination, breach of contract, and breach of common law duty of care.
In April 2023, the results of Meagher’s viva were delivered, and while the examiners didn’t recommend granting the PhD, they suggested he revise and resubmit his thesis.
Court documents also revealed that Cambridge’s Disability Resource Centre had recommended specific adjustments to help Meagher during the viva.
However, the examiners weren’t informed of these recommendations, leading to claims that Meagher’s disabilities weren’t properly accommodated.
Ongoing Legal Battle and Appeals
Meagher first brought the case in March 2024, almost a year after his PhD results were revealed.
By July 2024, he had secured an injunction preventing the university from taking any further steps regarding his PhD without mutual consent.
In the initial hearing, his attempt to sue individual faculty members was dismissed, as were parts of his breach of contract claim.
However, upon appeal, Mr. Justice Constable upheld the decision to dismiss claims against faculty members but agreed to reinstate the breach of contract claims.
Meagher’s Stand Against Institutional Practices
Meagher has expressed his frustration with Cambridge’s handling of disability support, dispute resolution, and mental health care.
In a statement to MailOnline, he emphasized that his case wasn’t about seeking adjustments but about challenging the conduct of an institution that has a poor record in these areas.
He believes that as a leading institution, Cambridge should be setting an example in disability support and student welfare, but that its failure to do so has raised serious concerns.
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