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How to Get a Career in Human Rights
Human Rights Lawyers Association
5 May 2011
How to Get a Career in Human Rights
16 February 2011
Contents
About the Human Rights Lawyers‟ Association ..................................................................... 2
The Law Society‟s International Action Team ........................................................................ 3
HRLA Bursary ....................................................................................................................... 4
Adam Sandell ....................................................................................................................... 5
Adam Wagner ....................................................................................................................... 7
Camilla Graham Wood .......................................................................................................... 9
Chez Cotton ........................................................................................................................ 11
Courtenay Barklem ............................................................................................................. 12
Daniel Denman ................................................................................................................... 14
Helen Mountfield QC ........................................................................................................... 16
Isabella Sankey................................................................................................................... 17
Jane Deighton ..................................................................................................................... 19
Jodie Blackstock ................................................................................................................. 20
Jonny Butterworth ............................................................................................................... 22
Lionel Blackman.................................................................................................................. 24
Lucy Scott Moncrieff............................................................................................................ 26
Mark Jones ......................................................................................................................... 27
Martin Curtis ....................................................................................................................... 28
Matthew Jury ...................................................................................................................... 29
Murtaza Hassan Shaikh ...................................................................................................... 31
Rabinder Singh ................................................................................................................... 33
Ruth Pogonowski ................................................................................................................ 35
Sara Chandler ..................................................................................................................... 37
Shubhaa Srinivasan ............................................................................................................ 39
Human Rights Organisations .............................................................................................. 41
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human rights lawyers association
About the Human Rights Lawyers’ Association
The HRLA‟s principal objective is to promote, protect and develop effective legal protection
of human rights and fundamental freedoms within the UK legal framework and system of
government.
The HRLA is a forum for those involved in the law and legal professions to discuss human
rights issues. It facilitates the sharing of knowledge and ideas about human rights law and
fosters the exchange of views between specialists from different areas of expertise and the
wider legal community.
The HRLA aims to further research, education and training in all areas of human rights law; it
collaborates with organisations whose objectives are similar to those of the HRLA; it
supports students in their human rights work in the UK and abroad; it organises critical and
constructive seminars, lectures, workshops and debates about topical human rights issues.
The HRLA seeks to respond quickly to any developments that affect human rights law in the
UK. This may be a judgment of the House of Lords or the European Court of Human Rights,
or evolving Government policy. The events based on these developments are free, or
subsidized, for HRLA members and strive to create a forum for interactive discussion and
debate.
Past events include Sexual Apartheid, Political Islam and Women’s Rights; Inquests,
Inquiries and the Right to Life; Torture Team: The Lawyers who Authorised Torture;
Complicity with Apartheid; The Future of Children’s Rights in the UK; Human Rights and the
Environment.
For upcoming events see www.hrla.org.uk/events
Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts
which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which
human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and
want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people
Preamble, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948
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The Law Society’s International Action Team
The Law Society's International Action Team (IAT) is a network of pro bono lawyers and law
students who assist with the Society‟s human rights work.
The aim is to provide international human rights opportunities for all, regardless of your level
of qualification or previous human rights experience, if any.
There are 2 main ways to participate: interventions or working groups.
Interventions
Members of the IAT are involved in researching or drafting interventions. A dedicated group
of researchers (mostly students) monitors for violations, investigates them and alerts the
network. One volunteer (usually non-student) drafts a letter that will be signed by the
President of the Law Society on behalf of the profession.
The Law Society writes interventions to governments and responsible authorities:
in support of lawyers whose human rights have been violated;
opposing restrictions on the freedom and independence of the legal profession;
challenging threats to the independence of the judiciary and the proper administration
of justice; and
opposing systemic or gross violations of the rule of law.
For examples of interventions, see http://international.lawsociety.org.uk/node/3806
To join the IAT, you will first have to attend our intervention training. To receive notification of
the next training session, volunteering/job opportunities, other events and Law Society
human rights news, please follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/LSHumanRights and/or
contact sarah.j.smith@lawsociety.org.uk or courtenay.barklem@lawsociety.org.uk
Working Groups
IAT members are encouraged to form working groups of volunteers to research, monitor and
act upon human rights issues of common interest. Working groups have included: Events,
Lawyers at Risk, Independence of the Legal Profession, Russia, Colombia, Iraq, Malaysia,
and Pakistan.
The work of each working group is primarily driven by its members with logistical support
from the Law Society. Their work very often informs the Law Society‟s overall human rights
policy.
For examples of working groups, see http://international.lawsociety.org.uk/node/2518 and
http://international.lawsociety.org.uk/node/2779
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human rights lawyers association
HRLA Bursary
The Human Rights Lawyers Association is pleased to announce the launch of the 2011
HRLA Bursary Scheme.
The HRLA recognises that those without independent financial backing can sometimes be
unable to take up internships, work placements and other either unpaid or poorly paid work
in human rights law. They may therefore miss out on these opportunities and this can lead to
their being disadvantaged when applying for jobs within the human rights field. To assist
people in this position, in 2006 the HRLA established a bursary scheme to assist law
students, either those currently studying (either undergraduate degree, postgraduate studies
or LPC/BVC/Law Conversion Course) or those who have recently graduated, in undertaking
such work.
Each year the HRLA will provide around 5 awards from a maximum annual bursary fund of
around £6,000, provided there are suitable applicants. A single award will not normally total
more than £1,000.
Please see the bursary section of the website (http://www.hrla.org.uk/Bursary.php) for the
detailed policy document and application form. If you have any questions about the scheme,
please, in the first instance, consult the policy document, which should answer all your
questions.
Best of luck with your bursary applications.
HRLA Bursary Committee
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Adam Sandell
Matrix Chambers
Adam is a public law barrister whose work focuses on the rights of people who are
disadvantaged, marginalised or vulnerable. Much of his practice is in the areas of prison law
and immigration law. Adam has acted in cases before bodies ranging from parole boards to
the UK Supreme Court. Before becoming a barrister, Adam was an inner-city GP, and also
worked for an NHS service for people with drug problems.
1. Which human rights practitioners do you find most inspiring?
I‟m most inspired by underpaid lawyers and advisors in law centres and voluntary
organisations around the country, who fight, day after day, with little recognition or
status or pay, for the things that matter most to vulnerable, marginalised people.
2. When did you decide to follow a career in human rights? Was there one defining
moment?
No one defining moment. I was working for the NHS in the north of England, and
found myself increasingly driven to stand up and argue for people who were
experiencing injustice of one sort or another. And, after lots of thought, I suspected
that legal advocacy might be where I would have the most to offer.
3. Did you do any internships or voluntary placements on your route into human rights
work?
I did some voluntary policy research for Legal Action Group, which is a great
organisation. And a number of social security and employment cases, through the
Free Representation Unit in London. (I continue to do pro bono cases for them from
time to time.) I‟d also been involved, through my work and in my spare time, in
various other social justice organisations one way or another.
4. What has been the high-point of your human rights career so far?
I‟ve not been doing it for long, but the best bits have been the occasional quiet
victories that change the lives of the people involved. One high-point was getting
asylum granted, and recognition that a return to Iran would violate his rights under
Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, for a very vulnerable,
mentally unwell, gay man whose case had been refused by a whole series of
tribunals before I was instructed. Now, if you haven‟t spent time in immigration
tribunals, you‟d think it would be easy. But the Court of Appeal had said that they
doubted he‟d overcome the jurisprudence that was ranged against him. Fixing that
kept my spirits up for months.
5. What has been the low-point?
Turning up for my first court appearance, a suddenly urgent hearing where my
colleague in the case was on holiday abroad. I‟d been told that it would be a quick,
ten-minute administrative thing, and it should have been. But it exploded into a
complex, several hour hearing with two experienced barristers on the other side and
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a very hostile judge in an area of law that I‟d had to learn on the way to the hearing.
Needless to say, I went down in flames.
6. Is there a current human rights debate that you are particularly interested in?
To be honest, I‟m not convinced that the concept of human rights is a coherent way
of working out how we should treat each other. But, if I had to pick a single question,
it would be why we consider it right to condition apparently universal rights on
nationality.
7. What is your favourite human right?
The right not to be subjected to degrading treatment. If it did what it says on the tin, it
would be the only right we‟d need.
8. Do you support the work of a particular human rights NGO?
Several, but mainly Oxfam. I‟m also involved in Legal Action Group, which works on
access to justice in the UK. I do a little pro bono work for NGOs too.
9. What is your dream job?
Being a ranger in the Lake District National Park.
10. When was the last time that you pulled an all-nighter?
When I was a junior hospital doctor, and had to do so regularly. Learning that timemanagement is actually about self-management was a belated revelation for me.
Working through the night is not impressive and almost never necessary.
11. What was the last book you read?
I‟m currently reading Half of a Yellow Sun, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
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Adam Wagner
1 Crown Office Row
and UK Human Rights Blog editor
Adam is developing a broad civil and public law practice. He is ranked as a 'leading junior'
for clinical negligence and healthcare law in the 2010 edition of The Legal 500. He is a
founding editor of the UK Human Rights Blog, for which he has been longlisted for the 2011
Orwell Prize.
Before joining Chambers, Adam graduated from St Anne‟s College, Oxford with a first class
degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, and received an MA in International Relations
from Columbia University. He also worked as the chair of a national youth organisation.
1. Which human rights practitioners do you find most inspiring?
Dinah Rose QC
2. When did you decide to follow a career in human rights? Was there one defining
moment?
When I studied in the United States. They think of public law differently there.
3. Did you do any internships or voluntary placements on your route into human rights
work?
3 months at the Public Law Project, a year or so volunteering on the Liberty Advice
Line every 2 weeks, FRU
4. What has been the high-point of your human rights career so far?
I have had a short career compared to the other speakers, but the high point has
been the UK Human Rights Blog, which I edit, being nominated for the Justice
Human Rights Award
5. What has been the low-point?
Losing recently in a housing case (being appealed!)
6. Is there a current human rights debate that you are particularly interested in?
Prisoner votes, reform of the Human Rights Act
7. What is your favourite human right?
Article 10
8. Do you support the work of a particular human rights NGO?
HRLA
9. What is your dream job?
I think I may have it!
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10. When was the last time that you pulled an all-nighter?
Never in a work scenario– I physically can‟t do it
11. What was the last book you read?
A Visit from the Goon Squad: Jennifer Egan – highly recommended!
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Camilla Graham Wood
Birnberg Peirce & Co
Camilla Graham Wood finished her LPC in 2008 and worked in Trinidad with the Centre for
Capital Punishment Studies internship on death row cases and then at Justice before
securing her training contract at Birnberg Peirce & Partners. She has spent time in the
immigration department working on criminal deportations and asylum cases involving
domestic violence and in the civil deparment working with on inquests and actions against
the police.
1. Which human rights practitioners do you find most inspiring?
Gareth Peirce and Nigel Leskin
2. When did you decide to follow a career in human rights? Was there one defining
moment?
Between studying on the GLD and the LPC I went to Cambodia to work for a legal
aid organisation with their land rights department. On the first day I went with one of
the lawyers to a small road on the outskirts of Phnom Penh to see 5 families having
their homes crushed by a JCB to make way for luxury apartments. These people
were being forced off their land, the developer had bribed key local officials and the
people had no voice and no ability to protect their fundamental right to their land.
Whilst there was only a limited amount the lawyer I was with could do, he managed
to delay the impeding devastation of the JCB to allow the families to leave and
secured some compensation for them.
This experience made me understand the important role a lawyer can have
protecting individuals and particularly the rights of disadvantaged members of
society. However, in a country such as Cambodia where the law often doesn‟t
matter, I also learnt that what you can do as a lawyer cannot be limited simply to
seeking to enforce the law in the courts. When people learn what their rights are
they can feel more empowered and able to stand up for themselves together, and to
fight for their rights through other methods such as campaigning and awareness
raising.
I have a huge amount of respect for human rights lawyers who work in countries like
Cambodia and Colombia where they and their families face death threats because
the government doesn‟t like the clients they represent e.g. trade unionists and the
work they do. They are truly inspiring and a hard day in the office in the UK is
nothing compared to what many of those lawyers have to endure to protect and fight
for their clients.
3. Did you do any internships or voluntary placements on your route into human rights
work?
Yes. You get an invaluable insight into legal aid and different areas of human rights
law. Many colleges have good legal aid clinics where you can gain experience and
understanding of areas such as employment, housing and so on.
4. What has been the high-point of your human rights career so far?
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Getting my training contract at Birnberg Peirce.
5. What has been the low-point?
The attitude of the government to legal aid.
6. Is there a current human rights debate that you are particularly interested in?
The Haldane Society have some very good debates http://www.haldane.org/
7. What is your favourite human right?
The Human Rights Act should be celebrated. It protects and upholds important and
fundamental rights. However, given the reason behind them, I‟m not sure I could say
I have a “favourite” because, for example, I would prefer that whilst the protections
existed, there wasn‟t a need to use Article 3 Prohibition on Torture and people were
not subject to torture, inhumane or degrading treatment.
8. Do you support the work of a particular human rights NGO?
There are a lot of good human rights NGOs.
9. What is your dream job?
I enjoy where I work now.
10. When was the last time that you pulled an all-nighter?
Probably correcting my sister‟s dissertation.
11. What was the last book you read?
Hunting Eichman by Neal Bascomb
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Chez Cotton
Bindmans
Chez Cotton heads the Police Misconduct department at civil rights firm Bindmans LLP,
advising in complex cases including false imprisonment, malicious prosecution,
discrimination, human rights and judicial review against the police and detaining authorities.
At the forefront of protecting the rights of journalists, protesters, disabled prisoners and other
victims of abuse and misconduct, her innovative work has featured widely in the media and
legal journals. She is a co-ordinator of the Police Actions Lawyers Group (PALG). She
joined Bindmans LLP in 2008, qualifying at Christian Khan (then Christian Fisher) in 2000,
having studied law at the London School of Economics.
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Courtenay Barklem
The Law Society
Courtenay is a solicitor-advocate who works at Law Society as the human rights adviser.
His role is to formulate Law Society policy on key human rights issues, and to promote
engagement among the legal profession in human rights issues.
Before changing direction in favour of human rights, he previously specialised in
international construction disputes. During that time, he also worked pro bono on various
human rights issues, in particular death penalty cases in the Caribbean and USA. In 2002/3,
he spent 6 months on sabbatical working on capital defence in South Carolina.
1. Which human rights practitioners do you find most inspiring?
Through my job I have had the honour to meet lawyers like Beatrice Mtetwa, from
Zimbabwe, Dora Lucy Arias from Colombia, and Ali Ahmed Kurd from Pakistan.
They have courageously carried out their duties as lawyers, defending the human
rights of others, in the face of intimidation, threats and physical violence.
2. When did you decide to follow a career in human rights? Was there one defining
moment?
After working in the US on capital defence, I came back to UK in 2003 determined to
make my way in human rights full time rather than just pro bono.
3. Did you do any internships or voluntary placements on your route into human rights
work?
Yes. I‟ve already mentioned my stint in South Carolina. Also, I worked for 3 months
unpaid in 2007 to re-establish the human rights programme at the Law Society. This
is why the Human Rights Lawyers Association‟s bursary scheme and the Law
Society‟s Diversity Access Scheme are so important – to give others a fair chance
who would not otherwise have the luxury of being able to work for free.
4. What has been the high-point of your human rights career so far?
Successful completion of a human rights fact-finding mission to Colombia in
September 2008. It had been an extremely tough and demanding week, having
taken 40+ UK lawyers to Colombia to investigate the harassment and assassination
of human rights lawyers.
5. What has been the low-point?
20 June 2008. A former client, with whom I had worked closely, was executed. He
had an IQ of 77, and had represented himself at trial.
6. Is there a current human rights debate that you are particularly interested in?
I am becoming increasingly interested in economic, social and cultural rights as well
as the right to development.
7. What is your favourite human right?
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The right to life.
8. Do you support the work of a particular human rights NGO?
I am a committee member of both the Human Rights Lawyers Association and
Amicus - Assisting Lawyers for Justice. I also sit on the lawyers‟ advisory committee
of Peace Brigades International UK. I am a member of A4ID.
9. What is your dream job?
I never imagined that I would actually be working in the human rights sector, so it
sometimes feels like a dream.
10. When was the last time that you pulled an all-nighter?
A month ago, I was up to about 5am trying to finish a report – does that count?
11. What was the last book you read?
I‟ve just finished This Time Is Different: Eight Centuries of Financial Folly, by Carmen
M. Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff.
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Daniel Denman
Ministry of Justice
I was called to the Bar in 1995, and I have been in the Government Legal Service since
1996. My jobs have included advising the Attorney General on EU and human rights law,
and heading the team in the Cabinet Office that coordinates questions of EU law across
Whitehall. I am now head of the information and human rights legal team in the Ministry of
Justice. I also write the chapter on Article 14 in Sweet & Maxwell's "Human Rights Practice".
1. Which human rights practitioners do you find most inspiring?
The people who take on thankless cases, despite the opprobrium they get from the
press, not for the reward or recognition but because they‟re helping people who have
no one else to turn to. And of course my colleagues in the Government Legal
Service, who are always prepared to tell their clients what the ECHR requires even
when what they have to say isn‟t welcome.
2. When did you decide to follow a career in human rights? Was there one defining
moment?
I was lucky enough to be doing government work round about the time the Human
Rights Act came into force, when there were a large number of really interesting
questions about how it would work. I‟ve stayed involved more or less ever since.
3. Did you do any internships or voluntary placements on your route into human rights
work?
No.
4. What has been the high-point of your human rights career so far?
It was very exciting to be involved in negotiating the provisions in the Lisbon Treaty
giving effect to the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
5. What has been the low-point?
It‟s always depressing when courts don‟t agree with arguments that you‟re convinced
are right.
6. Is there a current human rights debate that you are particularly interested in?
My job at the moment includes thinking about different ways we might give effect to
human rights in the UK. As civil servants, we have to put aside our personal opinions
and find ways of making it work. It‟s an interesting and intellectually satisfying
process.
7. What is your favourite human right?
The right to non-discrimination in Article 14. The case law is at a very intriguing stage
at the moment.
8. Do you support the work of a particular human rights NGO?
I‟m a member of Amnesty International.
14
9. What is your dream job?
One of the nice things about working in the Government Legal Service is that we
move posts every three or four years, so we never have a chance to get bored. My
ambition is to do jobs that keep me interested, and so far I‟ve managed it.
10. When was the last time that you pulled an all-nighter?
It doesn‟t happen much in the GLS, fortunately. I sometimes have to work late when
there‟s something particular that needs to be done, but it‟s not generally expected of
us, and my evenings and weekends are normally my own.
11. What was the last book you read?
“How It Happened Here” by Kevin Brownlow. It‟s about how he spent eight years in
the 50s and 60s, starting when he was 18, making what turned out to be a very good
film.
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Helen Mountfield QC
Matrix Chambers
Helen is a barrister at Matrix Chambers and was appointed silk in 2010. Helen is in The
Lawyer's "Hot 100" Lawyers for 2011, and was named Public Law and Human Rights 'Junior
of the Year' at the Chambers & Partners Bar Awards 2009.
Helen‟s particular areas of expertise and experience include discrimination law, regulatory
work, education, social welfare and human rights law. Helen frequently represents the
Equality and Human Rights Commission and was, until she took silk in February 2010, a
member of the Treasury A Panel.
Helen is particularly well known for cases concerning discrimination and equality law, in
public law, employment and other contexts. She has developed a particular specialism in
cases on the public sector equality duties.
In human rights and civil liberties, Helen is an acknowledged expert who has appeared in
many of the leading cases both in this country and in Strasbourg. She is co-author of the
Blackstone Guide to the Human Rights Act 1998 (5th edition, 2009) and edits the White
Book on Human Rights.
EU law is an important aspect of many of Helen's cases and she has also appeared in the
ECJ on a number of occasions. A recent notable victory was in Pedro v Secretary of State
for Work & Pensions on the scope and application of the Citizens' Directive.
She is one of the few leading experts in Election law, and recently scored a notable victory in
successful challenge to the election of Phil Woolas for the seat of Oldham East and
Saddleworth.
Helen is a sought-after speaker and lecturer in her fields of expertise, and as a commentator
on legal issues on television and radio.
In 2009, Helen was appointed as a Recorder (civil) on the Midlands circuit, and she took silk
in 2010.
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Isabella Sankey
Liberty
Isabella Sankey is the Director of Policy at Liberty (the National Council for Civil Liberties)
which she joined in November 2007. Isabella leads Liberty‟s parliamentary lobbying and
policy development, working in particular on the protection of human rights in the context of
counter-terror policy. As such, she was heavily involved with Liberty‟s successful Charge or
Release campaign against holding terror suspects for 42 days without charge. She is a nonpractising barrister and previously worked for the Legal & Constitutional Affairs Division at
the Commonwealth Secretariat.
1. Which human rights practitioners do you find most inspiring?
Gareth Peirce.
2. When did you decide to follow a career in human rights? Was there one defining
moment?
In 1995 Ken Saro Wiwa – a Nigerian writer and human rights campaigner - was
executed by the then Military Government following a politically motivated sham trial.
The injustice of his treatment and that of his fellow campaigners left a lasting impact
on me. Just one example of the horrors that flow when the rule of law is discarded.
3. Did you do any internships or voluntary placements on your route into human rights
work?
Yes. I volunteered for the Cambridge Refugee Support Group when I was at
university. I also spent 3 months interning at the Lawyers Centre for Legal Assistance
in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
4. What has been the high-point of your human rights career so far?
Defeating the previous Government‟s plans to extend pre-charge detention to 42
days.
5. What has been the low-point?
The present Government‟s decision to retain and re-brand control orders – indefinite
punishment without charge or trial.
6. Is there a current human rights debate that you are particularly interested in?
I am disturbed (rather than interested) by the current political arms race in attacking
the Human Rights Act and the European Convention on Human Rights. Parliament‟s
response to the Hirst judgment has been shambolic and only served to benefit those
who are campaigning for the repeal of the HRA and worse. Political developments
over the next few years will determine whether our infant, modern day Bill of Rights
will survive and Liberty is going to be fighting hard to save it.
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7. What is your favourite human right?
Ranking human rights can be dangerous as they are best protected when considered
indivisible. If I had to choose I would opt for Article 14 - equal treatment before the
law. Without this discipline, other rights are very easily traded away. People tend to
care more about protecting rights when they think that they could one day be on the
receiving end of bad treatment.
8. Do you support the work of a particular human rights NGO?
Liberty, of course.
I also have a lot of respect for the small and over-stretched organisations, like
Medical Justice and Inquest, that do incredibly valuable work, working directly with i
ndividuals that have suffered human rights abuses.
9. What is your dream job?
In another life I would have been a talented and successful professional dancer.
10. When was the last time that you pulled an all-nighter?
Too recently.
11. What was the last book you read?
Norwegian Wood.
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Jane Deighton
Deighton Guedalla
Jane is a partner at Deighton Guedalla Solicitors, a firm which deals with the following legal
areas: administrative and public law, civil liberties and human rights, civil litigation, criminal
law, defamation law, immigration law, and personal injury. The firm handles a range of civil
liberties matters including deaths in custody, police shootings, and discrimination cases.
Jane is vastly experienced in actions against the police.
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Jodie Blackstock
JUSTICE
Jodie Blackstock is the Senior Legal Officer in EU Justice and Home Affairs at JUSTICE, a
human rights and law reform organisation which is also the British Section of the
International Commission of Jurists. She briefs on proposed legislative changes, researches
the effect of instruments in practice and intervenes in appellate level cases where the public
interest is engaged. She was Called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2003 and practiced
in general criminal and common law from 1COR (Brighton) until joining JUSTICE in January
2009. She was Called to the Bar in Trinidad and Tobago in 2007, and continues to work on
constitutional and public law matters both in Trinidad and the Privy Council in London. She
holds an LLM in Human Rights from Birkbeck College. She sits on the European Committee
of the Bar Council of England and Wales and the executive committee of Amicus, an NGO
assisting lawyers defending capital cases in the United States for which she oversees
casework.
1. Which human rights practitioners do you find most inspiring?
Lawyers in many countries across the world where to protect human rights often
receives little remuneration, legal action against and incarceration, yet they continue
to uphold the values we take for granted.
2. When did you decide to follow a career in human rights? Was there one defining
moment?
Joining Amnesty International.
3. Did you do any internships or voluntary placements on your route into human rights
work?
I interned for in Texas on death row cases and in Trinidad on constitutional and
judicial review matters before pupillage, where I returned twice more before
qualifying there.
4. What has been the high-point of your human rights career so far?
Cadder v HMA – the decision of the UKSC last October which resulted in a change in
law in Scotland to allow legal advice in police detention, and our subsequent work on
ensuring the right is effective.
5. What has been the low-point?
Appeals to the USSC in which we argued that the drug cocktail used in lethal
injections amounts to cruel and unusual punishment. We lost and our clients were
executed.
6. Is there a current human rights debate that you are particularly interested in?
Retention of the HRA is the key issue at the moment. My own current work is about
the need to improve human rights standards in the EU in criminal cases.
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7. What is your favourite human right?
?! Working predominantly in criminal law I suppose I should say article 6, but 2 and 3
have proved vital in ensuring extraditions to capital punishment retaining countries
come with diplomatic assurances against execution, so I will go for those.
8. Do you support the work of a particular human rights NGO?
Mine – JUSTICE and Amicus. I also work closely with Amnesty International, Fair
Trials International, Liberty, and Reprieve
9. What is your dream job?
I am probably pretty close to it now but I would like to do more death penalty work in
the US or Caribbean in the future. Oh and get paid more for the effort!
10. When was the last time that you pulled an all-nighter?
Too recently.
11. What was the last book you read?
The last King of Scotland, Giles Foden concerning Idi Amin.
.
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Jonny Butterworth
Academic and Co-Director of JustFair
Jonny is a Public Law Teaching Fellow at UCL and LSE. He currently acts as an advisor to
the British Institute of Human Rights on their „Human Rights in the Community‟ project,
which aims to empower individuals and communities with human rights language and tools.
The project directly supports local community groups, through pilot projects in the South
East (including London), North East and North West England regions. Jonny also acts an
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Consultant for Age UK on their „Older People and
Human Rights Project‟- which aims to empower disadvantaged older people to use human
rights to influence decisions affecting their lives and wider public policy.
Jonny also co-founded, and was President of, the UCL Student Human Rights Programme
(UCLSHRP) from 2007 to 2009 http://www.uclshrp.com. In February 2009 he worked with a
team of UCLSHRP students to draft the Convention on Modern Liberty report entitled “The
Abolition of Freedom Act 2009.” The report examined the human rights compatibility of over
550 pieces of primary and secondary legislation enacted since 1997. Jonny has also
presented seminars, published articles and given lectures on human rights law. He read law
at Undergraduate and Master‟s level, specialising in human rights and international law.
1. Which human rights practitioners do you find most inspiring?
A number of people – mainly those who combine a deep passion for rights, lifetime
commitment and balance activism, with academic rigour and excellent practice. In
particular, Colm O‟Cinneide (barrister, Vice President of the European Social
Committee, Lecturer in UCL and advisor to numerous parliamentary committees).
Conor Gearty (Barrister in Matrix Chambers and LSE Professor). Phillipe Sands
(barrister in Matrix, author of Lawless worlds, Prof at UCL and Commissioner on the
Government‟s British Bill of Rights inquiry).
2. When did you decide to follow a career in human rights? Was there one defining
moment?
During my undergraduate studies in Kings College London, in my Human Rights law
class with Prof. Rob Wintermute. It was by far the most enjoyable, compassionate
and human of topics within law, in my opinion.
3. Did you do any internships or voluntary placements on your route into human rights
work?
I did an internship at the British Institute of International and Comparative Law
researching on the definition of a public authority and functions of a public nature with
regards to the Human Rights Act Section 6. I also set up and ran the UCL Student
Human Rights Programme during my LLM in UCL – www.uclshrp.com
4. What has been the high-point of your human rights career so far?
Setting up and running Just Fair: Justice and Fairness through Human Rights
(www.just-fair.co.uk) – „We work to advance the realisation of Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights for everyone in the United Kingdom. We work with partners to
promote and enhance ESCR protection and co-ordinate opposition when these rights
22
aren‟t respected. But in our opinion, our most important task is to raise rights
awareness, so that we all know our rights, and how to access them.‟
5. What has been the low-point?
Not knowing how to move forwards – be a barrister, an academic, NGO worker,
policy maker – and if so then how? But easy times came when I realised I can do all
of the above in my lifetime, perhaps more than one at a given moment, and they are
not mutually exclusive.
6. Is there a current human rights debate that you are particularly interested in?
Should we incorporate Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in a UK Bill of Rights?
7. What is your favourite human right?
Weird question but perhaps the right to education – it underpins all the others, but
they are in reality very interdependent.
8. Do you support the work of a particular human rights NGO?
The British Institute of Human Rights – they „bring human rights to life – supporting
and empowering people and organisations to use human rights to improve their own
lives and the lives of others.‟
9. What is your dream job?
The one I am currently doing to be honest – running an Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights NGO. However, I would love to see change in law, policy and practice
to make this work more effective.
10. When was the last time that you pulled an all-nighter?
Recently – perhaps one month ago.
11. What was the last book you read?
„An invitation to Ahmadiyya‟
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Lionel Blackman
Solicitors International Human Rights Group
Lionel is Chairman of the Solicitors‟ International Human Rights Group (SIHRG), and a
criminal advocate of over 25 years experience. Lionel lectures in the UK and the Republic of
Belarus.
He is the only solicitor to lead and win a case in the House of Lords and has conducted
countless trials in both magistrates‟ and Crown Courts including murder and manslaughter at
the Old Bailey.
Lionel lectures on various legal subjects and has toured the Ivy League Universities on a
debating tour. He was part of a fact-finding mission to Azad Kashmir (Pakistan controlled
area) in 1986 for UK court case.
1. Which human rights practitioners do you find most inspiring?
Clive Stafford-Smith and Phil Shiner
2. When did you decide to follow a career in human rights?
Early on I was attracted to “civil liberties” (this phrase was more popular than “human
rights” in the UK domestic context); and that led to seeking a career in criminal law.
No singular defining moment.
3. Did you do any internships or voluntary placements on your route into human rights
work?
Not as such – but an important stage was my involvement in the creation of the
Solicitors‟ International Human Rights Group.
4. What has been the high-point of your human rights career so far?
Raising the funds to send two lawyer volunteers to be embedded for several weeks
with human rights lawyers working in risky conditions in Colombia.
5. What has been the low-point?
Reading Dominic Raab MP‟s “Assault on Liberty”, a diatribe against the Human
Rights Act of 1997. A book which epitomises all the ignorance that gives human
rights a bad name.
6. Is there a current human rights debate that you are particularly interested in
The question of a UK “Bill of Rights”.
7. What is your favourite human right?
Fair trial.
8. Do you support the work of a particular human rights NGO?
SIHRG of course
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9. What is your dream job?
I am not seeking it but I think that one could do considerable good advancing human
rights as a UN Special Rapportuer. Alternatively, to become news editor at The Daily
Mail could be influential in promoting a balanced view on human rights
10. When was the last time that you pulled an all-nighter?
I have no idea what you are talking about!
11. What was the last book you read?
“Behind Enemy Lines” a biography of a Mauritian who organised French Resistance
against the Nazis on behalf of the British.
25
Lucy Scott Moncrieff
Scott-Moncrieff Partners and Associates LLP
Lucy qualified as a solicitor in 1978, and has worked in the fields of mental health and
human rights law ever since.
She sits as a Mental Health Tribunal judge and provides training for those applying for
membership of the Law Society's Mental Health Tribunal Panel. In 2005 Lucy won the
Mental Health Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year award. She is acknowledged as a leader in her
field in the Chambers Directory and the Legal 500. She acted for H, the detained patient who
obtained the first declaration of incompatibility and remedial order under the Human Rights
Act 1998 and many of her cases have been reported over the years.
Lucy is the managing partner of the firm, which was short listed for the Law Society‟s
inaugural award for Excellence in Innovation in 2007.
Lucy is a director of Edge Training Limited, a company that offers training on the law to the
purchasers and providers of health and social care, a founder member of the QC
Appointments Panel and an associate with Verita, with whom she has been, and is, involved
in a number of high profile homicide and other investigations.
She is a Law Society Council Member, and sits on its Regulatory Affairs Board, and its
Mental Health & Disability, Access to Justice, and Education and Training Committees. She
is also a Commissioner with the postal regulator Postcomm.
Lucy is on the editorial boards of the Community care law reports and the Journal of mental
health law and has written and broadcast regularly on legal issues over the years.
26
Mark Jones
St Ives Chambers
Mark Jones has an LLM in International Human Rights Law and was called to the Bar in
1997. Mark‟s practice includes all areas of Crime. He has attracted a great deal of work in
representing vulnerable clients, in particular minority groups, juveniles and the mentally ill.
He is currently involved in representing one of the Defendants in a lengthy complex fraud
case relating to the Ministry of Defence.
He has a wealth of experience in representing individuals on human rights issues vis-a-vis
criminal law in both the Administrative Court and the European Court of Human Rights. His
practice has the added dimension of his ability to advise on prison law, civil actions against
the police and extradition law, thereby ensuring continuity of counsel.
Mark acts as a Human Rights and Rule of Law Consultant to International Organisations,
Individuals and NGOs. He has experience working in over 15 countries throughout Eastern
Europe, Balkans, Russian Federation, Central Asia, South Caucasus, Turkey and Southern
Asia.
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Martin Curtis
LawWorks
Martin Curtis has now taken up his post as Project Manager for Students and Law Schools.
Martin is a three year qualified solicitor and practised in the commercial litigation department
at Addleshaw Goddard in Manchester. Before that he completed his training contract at
Herbert Smith, where he spent a considerable period volunteering at the Whitechapel Legal
Advice Centre. During National Pro Bono Week you will find Martin manning the student pro
bono exhibition in the House of Commons and at the MPs Reception, before finally
moderating one of the workshops at the Conference on the Saturday.
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Matthew Jury
H2O Law
Matthew undertook his law degree (LLB) at the University of Southampton and his
postgraduate degree (LLM) at Trinity College Dublin.
Matthew is licensed to practise as a Solicitor as well as an attorney in New York. He is an
expert in counter-terrorism litigation, domestic and international human rights law, and public
international law. He is an integral part of H2O‟s Civil Liberties and Human Rights (Counterterrorism and Restorative Justice) Department.
Matthew currently assists in the representation of hundreds of victims of terrorism worldwide
in a number of groundbreaking civil prosecutions against the perpetrators, supporters and
financiers of global terrorism.
He has been involved in the representation of a number of individuals detained overseas in
circumstances absent of due process and/or in breach of international standards of
detention. While in the US, Matthew worked in a dual role as a lawyer and as an investigator
and has particular expertise in the application of international law in the context of US state
lethal injection protocols and the execution of the mentally ill.
1. Which human rights practitioners do you find most inspiring?
The human rights practitioners I have found to be most inspiring are those that I
worked for and alongside during my time spent in the US assisting on Death Row
appeals. It is a low-paid career that receives little to no positive recognition from the
community in which these people live and practice. They do it only because it the
right thing to do and it has to be done. It is as simple as that. Their moral compass
is straight. These are the two most important reasons to choose a career in human
rights.
2. When did you decide to follow a career in human rights? Was there one defining
moment?
There was no one defining moment. I always knew that wanted a career grounded in
some form of public service. This was reinforced by the fact that, during the course
of my legal studies, commercial law held no interest for me. The combination of
these two factors made my decision to follow a career in human rights almost predetermined. For me, there was no other choice. I had legal qualifications skills and I
felt that it was my responsibility to use them for the public benefit.
3. Did you do any internships or voluntary placements on your route into human rights
work?
Yes. I undertook a six month internship assisting on Death Row appeals under the
administration of Reprieve. This was carried out the Virgina Capital Representation
Resource Center (VCRRC) in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
4. What has been the high-point of your human rights career so far?
There have been a number of high points. My work directly contributing to the
preservation of the lives of a number of Death Row inmates have included some of
them. Here in the UK, the highest point for me was securing a judgment against the
29
RIRA for 1.6 million on behalf of the families of the victims of the bombing of Omagh,
Northern Ireland, by the Real IRA in August 1998.
5. What has been the low-point?
The execution of a number of Death Row inmates on whose cases I assisted on.
6. Is there a current human rights debate that you are particularly interested in?
I am interested in the current Government‟s moves to amend existing legislation to
restrict the ability of the public to bring private criminal prosecutions against foreign
state officials who commit crimes against humanity. Traditional human rights
mechanisms, such as the ECHR, are but one way to enforce human rights
standards. I am interested in private justice via the civil and criminal courts to
enforce these rights also. These are forums where I believe real change can be
effected and I believe the government should not restrict our access to them.
7. What is your favourite human right?
The right to life. Surely there is nothing more important and it is from this that every
other right flows.
8. Do you support the work of a particular human rights NGO?
No. There are too many to choose from.
9. What is your dream job?
I‟m doing it.
10. When was the last time that you pulled an all-nighter?
Thankfully I have managed to avoid all nighters for a long time now. Most of our
cases are slow burners and if I have to pull an all-nighter to meet a deadline then I
am disappointed in myself for not having been more organised.
11. What was the last book you read?
The Naked & The Dead by Norman Mailer
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Murtaza Hassan Shaikh
Initiative Quiet Diplomacy
Murtaza Hassan Shaikh is Legal and Political Officer for the Initiative on Quiet DiplomacyIQd (www.iqdiplomacy.org), where he works on conflict prevention/resolution through
mediation, developing regional mechanisms and addressing the root and proximate causes
of conflict.
He is also a member of the Human Rights Committee of the Law Society of England and
Wales, a PhD Candidate at SOAS researching the protection of religious minorities under
international law and Islamic law and author of a recent Shadow Report on behalf of the
Muslim Research and Development Foundation (MRDF) to the Advisory Committee of the
Framework Convention on National Minorities arguing for the inclusion of Muslims within the
scope of the treaty: http://www.islam21c.com/editorials/2407-mrdf-shadow-report.
He has in the past worked for the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Minority Rights
Group International (MRG) and European Human Rights Advocacy Centre (EHRAC) as well
as a number of Pakistani human rights NGOs. He has also assisted litigation efforts on
minority rights under the regional human rights systems. Research and publications on
international law include the issue of “new” minorities in Europe/UK, the Federally
Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan, religious minorities, dissolution of political parties and
autonomies.
1. Which human rights practitioners do you find most inspiring?
I was most inspired by those who taught me during my LLM at Essex University and
those who studied with me. The faculty included the likes of Paul Hunt (then Special
Rapporteur for Health), John Packer (former Director of OSCE High Commissioner
on National Minorities), Nigel Rodley (UN Human Rights Council) not to mention the
late Kevin Boyle and Francoise Hampson, who took countless cases to the ECHR.
2. When did you decide to follow a career in human rights? Was there one defining
moment?
After seeing the severe poverty and deprivation on my visits to Pakistan at a young
age was enough for me to begin thinking about the reasons and possible solutions.
However it was only when I took modules in international law and international
human rights law during the final term of my LLM that I recognised my calling.
3. Did you do any internships or voluntary placements on your route into human rights
work?
Following my LLB, I undertook three internships in Pakistan: the Society for the
Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC), the Human Rights Commission of
Pakistan (HRCP) and a private law firm in. After completing my LLM, I interned with
the European Human Rights Advocacy Centre (EHRAC), Minority Rights Group
International (MRG) and the European Court of Human Rights.
31
4. What has been the high-point of your human rights career so far?
Being able to see the landmark case of Finci v. Bosnia Herzegovina being argued at
the ECHR Grand Chamber after having assisted with its preparation for a number of
months.
5. What has been the low-point?
Realising the gaping schism between a legal victory and improving lives on the
ground. This was epitomised when following a swift and resolute letter to the
Tanzanian Government by CERD regarding the forcible displacement of a Maasai
pastoralist community from their traditional lands had absolutely no effect on the
Government, and could have even led to worsening of the situation.
6. Is there a current human rights debate that you are particularly interested in?
I am interested in the debate surrounding the dangerous and recent concept of “new”
minorities in Europe, especially as it used to justify the denial of rights for
communities/minorities who have resulted from recent immigration flows.
7. What is your favourite human right?
UDHR Article 1: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights...”.
The most important yet most understated human right in my opinion, on which all
other human rights are based i.e. the idea that human rights are inherent and
undeniable.
8. Do you support the work of a particular human rights NGO?
I work for one.
9. What is your dream job?
Director of my own NGO.
10. When was the last time that you pulled an all-nighter?
Around three weeks in ago to finish a Shadow Report to the Advisory Committee of
the Framework Convention on National Minorities, while I was supposed to be on
holiday in Dubai.
11. What was the last book you read?
I don‟t remember the last time I read a book for leisure. Currently I am reviewing two
for journals: “Islam and the Secular State” and the “Shari‟a As Discourse”. I am
struggling to find anything I agree with in both, so am looking forward to writing the
reviews.
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Rabinder Singh
Matrix Chambers
Rabinder Singh QC is a barrister at Matrix Chambers, London. He is co-author of a book,
Human Rights: Judicial Enforcement in the UK (2008, Sweet & Maxwell). In 2006 he was
given the Liberty/JUSTICE award for Human Rights Lawyer of the Year.
1. Which human rights practitioners do you find most inspiring?
The human rights lawyer who inspired me was Frank Newman, sadly now deceased.
Frank co-authored the first book on international human rights law that I came across
and taught me at the University of California at Berkeley in the 1980s. He had
previously been a judge on the Supreme Court of California and, as a young man,
was part of the US delegation to the San Francisco conference in 1945, which
drafted the UN
2. When did you decide to follow a career in human rights? Was there one defining
moment?
I decided to do law when I was in the sixth form at school and the main reason I
wanted to do it was because of my interest in human rights.
3. Did you do any internships or voluntary placements on your route into human rights
work?
No. I did have an internship arranged with a human rights NGO in Washington DC
but, for personal reasons, was unable to take it up.
4. What has been the high-point of your human rights career so far?
Appearing in the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights in AlSkeini v UK and Al-Jedda v UK on the same day in June 2010.
5. What has been the low-point?
After a hearing in Strasbourg on my way back to the UK I was detained by the
authorities at Strasbourg airport and held at gunpoint because they suspected I was
a terrorist (or perhaps they were just bored).
6. Is there a current human rights debate that you are particularly interested in?
Whether the UK should repeal the Human Rights Act and replace it with a British bill
of rights.
7. What is your favourite human right?
The right to equality. It seems to me that the foundation of all human rights is the
belief that we are all “born free and equal in dignity and rights”, in the words of Article
1 of the Universal Declaration.
33
8. Do you support the work of a particular human rights NGO?
I have done quite a lot of pro bono work for Liberty and JUSTICE.
9. What is your dream job?
Doing what I have had the good fortune to do as a barrister specialising in public law
and human rights law. I have never had a boring day at the office.
10. When was the last time that you pulled an all-nighter?
Last year, when we had to make our final submissions to the Baha Mousa Public
Inquiry, in which I was leading counsel for the family of Baha Mousa (who was killed
in British custody in Iraq in 2003) and for the others who were detained with him and
subjected to ill-treatment.
11. What was the last book you read?
The Hand That First Held Mine by Maggie O‟Farrell.
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Ruth Pogonowski
Ministry of Justice
Ruth Pogonowski is a lawyer in the Information and Human Rights Team in Legal
Directorate of the Ministry of Justice. The Team has responsibility for leading the coordination of human rights legal issues across Government. Ruth was called to the Bar in
2006 and practiced at a common law set before joining the Criminal Law Team at the
Ministry of Justice in 2008. Ruth joined the Information and Human Rights Team in 2009
and now specialises in human rights law with a particular interest in Article 6 cases. She has
been involved in and advised on numerous human rights cases both in the domestic courts
and in Strasbourg.
1. Which human rights practitioners do you find most inspiring?
Not necessarily a sole human rights practitioner but my career decisions were initially
shaped by watching the late Anthony Jennings QC on his feet in the Old Bailey. He
still remains the only barrister I have ever seen who has kept a jury absolutely
captivated from the moment he started speaking to the end. His untimely death was
an immense loss to the criminal Bar.
2. When did you decide to follow a career in human rights? Was there one defining
moment?
My original plan was to work as a criminal practitioner but I never felt like the work I
was doing at the criminal bar was actually helping anyone. Joining the Ministry of
Justice was a real turning point as it made me realise I could actually do work that
would make a difference to peoples lives. My interest in human rights issues have
developed from there.
3. Did you do any internships or voluntary placements on your route into human rights
work?
I volunteered as a Citizens Advice Bureau advisor for 4 years whilst I was at
University and Bar School advising on everything from debt management to
matrimonial law. I also did a six month work placement at Matrix Chambers as part
of my degree which influenced my decision to join the Bar.
4. What has been the high-point of your human rights career so far?
Probably getting my current job at the Ministry of Justice and having the chance to do
work that will actually make a difference to peoples lives.
5. What has been the low-point?
Pupillage in general!
6. Is there a current human rights debate that you are particularly interested in?
This probably doesn‟t count as a genuine human rights debate, but I find the current
dialogue between the Strasbourg Court and Supreme Court in cases like Horncastle
fascinating.
35
7. What is your favourite human right?
Article 10 because everyone should have the right to express their own opinion.
8. Do you support the work of a particular human rights NGO?
Most but in particular the ones who promote children‟s rights.
9. What is your dream job?
Professional triathlete.
10. When was the last time that you pulled an all-nighter?
Either I‟ve led a sheltered life or been lucky with the jobs I‟ve had because I‟ve never
stayed up all night – I love my sleep far too much anyway!
11. What was the last book you read?
The Fabulously Fashionable Life of Isabel Bookbinder by Holly McQueen – Tube
travel literature as its very best!
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Sara Chandler
College of Law
Sara is Professor of Clinical Legal Education at the College of Law‟s Legal Advice Centre in
Bloomsbury, London and is Senior Supervising Solicitor for the Centre, where student
volunteers advise members of the public on Employment, Housing, Social Security and
Immigration and Asylum law. Sara has experience in training international pro bono lawyers,
and has a particular interest in Uganda, Zambia and Nigeria where she has worked with
local Law Societies, Law Schools and NGO‟s. She is an active member of CLEO (the
Clinical Legal Education Organisation) and participates in the International Journal of Clinical
Legal Education, the Global Alliance for Justice Education, LILAC and Association of Law
Teachers. She completed 15 years in Law Centres and 5 years in legal aid firms before
joining the College in 2003. Before becoming a lawyer Sara worked with refugees from Chile
in the UK‟s Chilean refugee programme.
Sara is a member of the Law Society of England & Wales Council and Law Society Human
Rights Committee with responsibility for Colombia. She is the current Chair of the UK section
of the Caravana Internacional de Juristas, which visited in August 2008 and August 2010 to
investigate and monitor the situation of lawyers. Sara is President of the Human Rights
Commission of the FBE (Federation of European Bar Associations)
1. Which human rights practitioners do you find most inspiring?
The most inspiring human rights practitioners are those who carry on despite threats
to their lives, and to the lives of their colleagues, when they have already mourned
the loss of their colleagues. Over 400 human rights lawyers have been killed in
Colombia since 1990, and human rights defenders receive death threats from well
organised para-military groups who terrorise with impunity. No effort is made to
investigate or prosecute the perpetrators of these crimes.
2. When did you decide to follow a career in human rights? Was there one defining
moment?
I worked with refugees from Chile in the 1970‟s as part of my political commitment to
the rule of law, access to justice and respect for human rights and met many fine
people who had suffered torture as political prisoners. As a postgraduate research
student I had done field work in Chile in 1971-72 and had seen first hand the
enthusiasm, hope and optimism of ordinary people as life began to change for the
better. When Pinochet seized power in a military coup in 1973 this was the moment
when I knew I had to fight for human rights for the rest of my life. In the 1980‟s I
worked as a social security tribunal representative for 10 years and realised that
people have to fight to enforce their most basic human rights like food on the table. In
the 1990‟s I qualified as a solicitor and became a housing (landlord & tenant )
specialist, using the law to help homeless people, and to stop people losing their
homes because of poverty.
3. Did you do any internships or voluntary placements on your route into human rights
work?
Yes, when I started working with refugees I was a volunteer. Later I went on
placement to a Law Centre and found working there really reaches people who are
denied basic human rights. It is very important that law students take up every
37
opportunity they get to do voluntary work and go on placement. My route was
through working as a volunteer in Law Centres. The first Law Centre I worked in
(1980) was in Deptford, South London, and I was on placement for 3 months
(Housing : Landlord & Tenant). The second was for 6 months (Social Security and
Debt).
4. What has been the high-point of your human rights career so far?
I participated as a signatory to the 60th Anniversary document which commemorated
the signing in 1948 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Paris (December
2008). It was an honour to meet one of the original signatories at the event, a lawyer
who still practices in Paris in his 90‟s.
5. What has been the low-point?
The deaths of Chilean refugees (friends) who returned to Chile in the 1970‟s and
1980‟s, and the deaths of Colombian lawyers over the last few years, including a law
student who volunteered as a human rights defender who was killed in December
2010. The UK lawyers who are members of the Colombia Caravana met this student
when in Colombia undertaking investigation into the situation of human rights
lawyers, it is so hard to believe he is dead.
6. Is there a current human rights debate that you are particularly interested in?
Employers who oppose the repeal of the Default Retirement Age legislation are
lobbying the Government to delay the implementation (scheduled for 6th April 2011).
Employers who only count the cost of employing and fail to recognise the value of
employing older people for their wealth of experience are shortsighted. Early
retirement is sometimes the death knell for people who have been rejected by
society. Consideration by Government of older people‟s human rights is vital. A
society is judged by how it treats it‟s most vulnerable and marginalised people.
7. What is your favourite human right?
The right to a fair trial because as lawyers it is a right that we must uphold daily and
can do so.
8. Do you support the work of a particular human rights NGO?
Peace Brigades International who support human rights lawyers at risk in Mexico,
Colombia, Guatemala, Nepal and Indonesia by providing volunteers to accompany
these lawyers everywhere in their daily work. PBI has launched a solidarity campaign
called Lawyers at Risk which recruits lawyers to support the work of human rights
lawyers at risk.
9. What is your dream job?
U.N. Special Rapporteur on Human Rights
10. What was the last book you read?
Pedagogy of Hope by Paolo Freire. Freire worked in Latin American rural areas with
people who were excluded from society; the book has changed the way we think
about education and human rights.
38
Shubhaa Srinivasan
Leigh Day & Co
Shubhaa specialises in international claims, group actions and product liability cases.
Shubhaa qualified as a Barrister in 1998 and practised in Malaysia as an Advocate and
Solicitor until 2000. In Malaysia, she was engaged in a variety of work, including media law,
commercial litigation and employment law. Many of the cases went up to the Federal Court,
the highest court in Malaysia and they have become seminal decisions.
Shubhaa completed her Masters in Law in 2002 at SOAS, University of London, and joined
Leigh Day & Co‟s International Complex Claims team in 2003.
Shubhaa has worked on a number of group actions including the DePuy hip litigation, a
product liability case which involved 26 UK patients who were inserted with defective hip
joints. This case was successfully settled in June 2006. She also acted in an environmental
claim brought by 52 Colombian farmers against a subsidiary of the multi-national BP plc.
This case was successfully mediated in Bogata, Colombia in June 2006.
Shubhaa is currently part of a team representing a number of Iraqis allegedly unlawfully
abused by British Forces in Iraq. In addition, she is also currently representing over 50
Colombian farmers in a second wave of environmental claims against a BP plc subsidiary.
1. Which human rights practitioners do you find most inspiring?
Can‟t pick any one practitioner but those who are brave enough to defend human
rights during very difficult times such as those working for CAJAR in Colombia.
2. When did you decide to follow a career in human rights? Was there one defining
moment?
I have always worked on cases which carried an element of acting against impunity
(be it state or private actors), whether it was in media law, commercial litigation or the
current style of work I do, which is business and human rights, acting on behalf of
victims of transnational corporate abuses. Perhaps a clear moment was when I did
my LLM in 2000
3. Did you do any internships or voluntary placements on your route into human rights
work?
I did a short placement at Leigh Day & Co and worked on the Lubbe v Cape plc case
(7,000 S. African miners brought a claim against Cape plc for negligently causing
them to suffer from asbestosis). Mine was an unusual route to law as I managed to
join Leigh Day pretty much immediately after qualifying as a solicitor. However, it is
very important for future aspirants working in the human rights field to undertake
voluntary placements such as at Justice, Liberty, AI, HRW, REDRESS etc.
4. What has been the high-point of your human rights career so far?
Obtaining compensation for a group of Iraqi civilians who were victims of torture at
the hands of the British Army in 2008. Also whenever big business say they got it
wrong, which doesn‟t happen very often!
5. What has been the low-point?
39
The power imbalance between claimants and big business, in my line of work I am
faced with this at every stage of litigation and that can be deeply frustrating at times.
6. Is there a current human rights debate that you are particularly interested in?
The Draft „Guiding Principles for the Implementation of the UN‟s Protect, Respect,
Remedy Framework‟, a draft set of Principles on Business & Human Rights prepared
by Prof John Ruggie, the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for
Business and Human Rights
7. What is your favourite human right?
Don‟t have one.
8. Do you support the work of a particular human rights NGO?
CAJAR in Colombia.
9. What is your dream job?
Nothing to do with law! Would love to set up & run a special needs school in India.
10. When was the last time that you pulled an all-nighter?
2008, when I was trying to get visa clearance for my Iraqi clients to travel to London
to attend a mediation with the MoD on their claims (very late nights for more than a
week!). Although the MoD mooted the idea of mediation it was a classic case of the
right arm not talking to the left. The Home Office & Immigration Dept did not make it
easy at all for our clients to travel to London. These clients who have been subjected
to some of the worst forms of treatment at the hands of British soldiers were asked to
travel to London on military planes alone accompanied by ….. you guessed it, British
soldiers! Sensitive touch! It was all terribly unsatisfactory.
11. What was the last book you read?
Honestly, can‟t remember……..shows I don‟t lead a very exciting life!
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Human Rights Organisations
Access to Justice Alliance
The campaign for civil legal aid: the AJA fights for civil litigants to enjoy the same access to
representation as criminal defendants by protecting, reviewing and publicising the need for
such funding. Activities include demonstrations, debates, marches and government lobbying.
www.accesstojusticealliance.org.uk
Advice Services Alliance
The umbrella body for independent advice services in the UK. Its members are national
networks of voluntary organisations providing advice and help on the law.
www.asauk.org.uk
Advocates for International Development
Lawyers with an international conscience. Poverty and inequality are the order of the day,
and organised action is the response. Comprehensive network of ways to involve yourself,
including campaigns for Millennium Development Goals. Focused towards practitioners,
A4ID operates through organised work groups.
www.a4id.org
AIRE Centre (Advice on Individual Rights in Europe)
Advises individuals on the punch that European Human Rights law can pack. Their support
spans the micro (case by case guidance, provided you aren‟t trying to skewer the Little Guy)
to the macro (expert materials for those organising conferences etc).
www.airecentre.org
Amicus
Works on death penalty cases in the US. Offers internship opportunities as well as casework volunteer positions and publishes Amicus Journal, covering death penalty issues
worldwide.
www.amicus-alj.org
Amnesty UK
The old favourite. Justice, freedom, fairness and truth. Universal values. Often quoted, often
given short shrift in the real world. Amnesty organise truly international campaigns
championing human rights wherever they are trampled upon. Current causes include
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abolishing the death penalty, ending internet repression, the China situation and violence
against women worldwide. Extensive volunteering opportunities.
www.amnesty.org.uk
Bail for Immigration Detainees
This charity adopts a two-prong approach to protect individuals detained as asylum seekers.
First, campaigning in the political sphere to amend human rights provisions for detainees
and requiring more robust protection mechanisms. Secondly, recruiting volunteers to handle
detainees‟ applications to end their detention. Volunteers recruited in London, Oxford and
the South East.
www.biduk.org.uk
Bar Human Rights Committee
Network for human rights-concerned barristers, organising legal research, advocacy training
and publicity in Africa, America, Asia, Europe, Middle East and Russia. Particular focus on
protection of the rule of law and the people upholding it.
http://www.barhumanrights.org.uk
Bar Pro Bono Unit
Barristers have social consciences too. They established an organisation to prove it.
Volunteer a minimum of three days of time and expertise per year and bridge the gaping gulf
between private funding and the legal aid purse. Short registration process, then an
apparently unlimited licence to make law work for people, by working for free.
http://www.barprobono.org.uk/
British Institute of Human Rights
BIHR seek to bring human rights to life by producing and shaping human rights tools, public
policy and practices that empower people to improve their own lives and the lives of others.
They focus on working with the voluntary and third sectors, as well as lobbying government,
running research projects and promoting human rights awareness. BIHR offer many
internship and volunteering opportunities.
www.birhr.org.uk
British Irish Rights Watch
BIRW aims to monitor, support and publicise the people and groups affected by conflict in
Ireland. No affiliations with politics, religion or community. Activities include seminars,
publications, ad hoc consultation for lawyers, third party interventions and attending public
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inquiries. Formidable body of work, recognised via the Beacon Prize for Northern Ireland
2007.
http://www.birw.org/
Campaign Against Criminalising Communities
Opposing laws based upon a pretext of counter-terrorism, campaigning for such laws to be
repealed and defending the right to dissent.
www.campacc.org.uk
Campaign for Freedom of Information
The rubber stamp of secrecy is the enemy, statutory right is the weapon and sustained
campaigning is the bread and butter of this group. Sign up for email updates and prove that
millions of voices are louder than singular action.
www.cfoi.org.uk
Centre for Capital Punishment Studies
Project based at the University of Westminster. Chiefly aimed at researching the death
penalty. Based on the notion that statistics speak louder than assertion, CCPS aims to coordinate NGOs, civil society and the state through research and publication. Attractive
internship programme to places including Jamaica, Malawi and Uganda.
www.wmin.ac.uk/law/
Child Poverty Action Group
Does what it says on the tin; a major force for social and economic justice in the UK. For
lawyers, it is a major publisher of leading reference books, particularly on welfare rights, and
it provides both telephone advice and training courses to welfare rights advisors.
www.cpag.org.uk
Coalition for the International Criminal Court
Network of NGOs supporting the ICC, via a Universal Ratification Campaign and general
work to keep constituent states informed and alive to the workings of the Court. Internships
available in Summer and Autumn in New York and The Hague.
www.iccnow.org
Constitutional and Administrative Law Bar Association (ALBA)
Interesting, varied and up-to-date lectures offered in the Temple in London. Worthwhile
speakers, usually free attendance and no need to be a fully fledged lawyer to participate.
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Advance registration required for some events, but turning up early is usually the best
guarantee.
www.adminlaw.org.uk
1 Crown Office Row's Human Rights Update website
Barristers' chambers 1 Crown Office Row runs a website providing details of developments
in human rights law, and articles on topical matters.
www.1cor.com/humanrights
Death Penalty Project
Campaigns focus upon the Caribbean and Africa with palpable results: 500 lives saved since
1992. Two pronged approach to legal intervention, via helping individual prisoners and
strategic litigation on the public law stage. Plus the research, information dissemination and
publication.
www.deathpenaltyproject.org
Discrimination Law Association
Membership available to anyone who cares about preventing discrimination. Activities
concentrate on conferences, publications. Particularly useful „Responses‟ section setting out
the DLA position on legislative instruments impacting on discrimination law.
www.discriminationlaw.org.uk
Doughty Street Chambers Human Rights Bulletin
A periodic publication summarising important UK and European human rights cases.
Subscribe at - www.doughtystreet.co.uk/members/join/
Employment Lawyers Association
Extensive roster of events with comprehensive topics without the usual London-centric
locations. Essential for employment law practitioners. Membership heftily discounted for
golden-hearted people working in the voluntary sector.
www.elaweb.org.uk
Equality and Diversity Forum
Networking organisation bringing together previously disparate groups. Core issues include
age, disability, gender, race, religious and sexual orientation discrimination, all set against a
broader human rights backdrop. Consistently active with e-bulletins and frequent online
news of previous and future events. Formidable body of publications. Notables include the
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long term Human Rights and Justice Seminars at London Metropolitan University.
www.edf.org.uk
Equality and Human Rights Commission
Ensures the Human Rights Act couples bark with bite. Where once the Equal Opportunities
Commission, the Commission for Racial Equality, and the Disability Rights Commission
paved the way for human rights monitoring in the UK, the EHRC now treads. Aimed at
ensuring protection and publication for individuals‟ right to participate fully and equally, this
non-departmental government body is responsible for its own public funding but politically
independent.
www.equalityhumanrights.com
European Criminal Bar Association
Aimed at monitoring the European Union influence on national criminal justice matters, the
ECBA encourages defence lawyers to contribute, share information and make public
submissions on prospective legislation. Current projects involve the European Arrest
Warrant, Cross Border Financial Crime and the death penalty in China.
www.ecba.org/cms
Free Representation Unit
FRU - touchstone for the aspiring law student. Undertake the training course, grasp
employment or social security law and help litigants (who would otherwise be flying solo)
navigate the system. Personal support from qualified case workers. Hugely rewarding.
www.freerepresentationunit.org.uk
Global Rights
Based at a grass roots level of local activism via field offices in Asia, Africa, Latin America,
Europe and the United States, Global Rights includes volunteers as staff, fellows and
interns.
www.globalrights.org/site
Haldane Society of Socialist Lawyers
Monthly lectures on diverse and on-the-pulse topics, delivered by in-the-know practitioners,
plus a great publication, Socialist Lawyer.
www.haldane.org/
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Housing Law Practitioners Association
Heavily involved in responding to legislative proposals for housing law, the social justice
aspect of housing needs no drum roll. Essential for practitioners representing homeless and
vulnerable tenants, HLPA facilitates information sharing between members in addition to
campaigning.
www.hlpa.org.uk/
Howard League for Penal Reform
Current campaigns include „Community Sentences Cut Crime‟, „Real Work in Prison‟ and the
obvious „Prison Overcrowding‟. Independent and pro-active, the Howard League offers one
internship each year and has extensive support for students interested in establishing a
society at their university come September.
www.howardleague.org/
Human Rights Lawyers Association
Excellent, constant stream of lectures on contemporary human rights issues. Bursary
scheme for students seeking funding of related placements and helpful vacancies links to
fellow organisations. Events are free or heavily subsidised for members, students are
welcome and interaction is encouraged. Free student membership.
www.hrla.org.uk/
Human Rights Watch
Defending human rights on a country-by-country basis, the sheer breadth of the
organisation‟s influence is awe-inspiring. Extensive employment and internship opportunities
for the human rights devotee.
www.hrw.org/
Immigration Law Practitioners Association
Dedicated to co-ordinating immigration law specialists through training, a robust body of
publications and political updates of Government briefings. Boasts a list of immigration
related job vacancies for those wanting to jump from the volunteering to the professional
boat.
www.ilpa.org.uk
Innocence Network UK
Students helping prisoners overturn wrongful convictions.
www.innocencenetwork.org.uk
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INQUEST
Provides support and advice to people concerned about contentious deaths and navigating
the inquest system. Targeted both towards lawyers and bereaved families. Tri-annual in
house magazine supplements individual campaigns.
www.inquest.org.uk
INTERIGHTS - the International Centre for the Legal Protection of Human
Rights
Strategic litigation – focusing upon areas of human rights law (on a global stage) where
there is most potential for development or protection. This work is bolstered by publishing
and disseminating legal information to anyone in need. Amazingly comprehensive news
review, covering hoards of global human rights cases.
www.interights.org
International Commission of Jurists
Sixty eminent jurists represent different legal systems of the globe, dedicated to advancing
human rights via the rule of law. Prides itself on impartiality and objectivity and has a strong
international slant (five regional projects). Unfunded internships programme with rolling
deadline.
www.icj.org
International Federation of Human Rights (Fédération Internationale des ligues
des Droits de l'Homme)
Multi-lingual website, advocating four statutory priorities: assisting victims of human rights
abuses, mobilising member states participation, supporting local NGOs and raising
awareness. A notable thematic priority is prioritising human rights in the fight against
terrorism.
www.fidh.org
International Lawyers Project
Aims to link willing skills of solicitors and barrister and the huge need for pro bono human
rights advice and representation. Operates via a centralised database onto which interested
individuals sign up, then await a request for their help (reasonable expenses are
reimbursed). Dual international and local emphasis.
www.internationallawyersproject.org
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Joint Council for the Welfare of Refugees
Aims to combat racism and discrimination in asylum and immigration cases by providing
support and advice to practitioners with Legal Service Commission contracts. Does not offer
representation directly to applicants. Publishes reasoned responses to legislative initiatives
and organises training courses and one-off seminars.
www.jcwi.org.uk
JUSTICE
Possibly the most lawyerly of the UK's campaigning human rights organisations. A law
reform-motivated group focusing on criminal justice matters, privacy, asylum and
discrimination. Aims to see that the Human Rights Act is worth more than the paper its
written on. Get involved via an annual intern programme, ad hoc volunteering or full-time
employment.
www.justice.org.uk
Law Centres Federation
Central support body for all pro bono Law Centres, offering representation to society‟s most
disadvantaged. Offers support and advice to those brave enough to attempt opening a
centre in their own community. Affiliated to the LawWorks project, now run by the Solicitors
Pro Bono Group – see below.
www.lawcentres.org.uk
Lawworks
Solicitors working for free. Yes, really. Includes support for those wanting to establish a pro
bono society within their law school (and compete for a spot in the prestigious Law School
Pro Bono Awards prize-giving), training courses, and volunteering (for practitioners and
students). Regional and London projects.
www.lawworks.org.uk
Legal Action Group
Never lagging behind, promoting equal access to justice to those who need it most.
Extensive publications and a very wide ambit (crime, housing, mental health and more), an
excellent journal and frequent specialist legal updates. Register your interest for free
updates, or join for £30 per year.
www.lag.org.uk
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Legalternatives
Looking for a legal internship? Want it to exactly fit your interests and abilities? Search the
Legalternatives database, gather a wealth of organisation specific information and read
feedback from people who have personal first hand experience of the options listed.
www.legalternatives.co.uk
Liberty
Including the Liberty Guide to Human Rights (www.yourrights.org.uk). Omnipresent,
tirelessly campaigning organisation aiming to keep civil liberties a practical aspect of modern
living, chiefly by influencing government. Student membership from just £1 per month.
http://www.liberty-human-rights.org.uk/
Medical Justice
Seeks basic medical rights for detainees and failed asylum seekers in the UK; publishes a
worrying list of case studies in which rights have been denied to individuals. Research
projects allow the Foundation to make submissions to the UN. The Habeas Corpus Project
aims to challenge the legality of indefinite detention through applications to the High Court,
fertile grounds for reform.
www.medicaljustice.org.uk
Mental Disability Advocacy Centre
Working on the human rights of children and adults with actual or perceived intellectual or
psycho-social disabilities. A European Central Asian focus. Volunteering opportunities in its
Budapest office.
www.mdac.info/
Mental Health Lawyers Association
www.mhla.co.uk/
National Critical Lawyers Group
www.nclg.org.uk/
NO2ID
This single-issue group aims to curb government‟s pre-occupation with recording and
monitoring its citizens‟ movements and activities. Sign up for free updates, make the No 2 ID
pledge and hope no more liberties are taken.
www.nclg.org.uk/
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Oxford Pro Bono Publico
More than just a proof reading organisation: the OPBP supports those preparing submission
documents for a wide variety of purposes. Volunteers must be affiliated with the University of
Oxford and can expect to work closely with high profile NGOs and be exposed to world class
academics.
www.law.ox.ac.uk/opbp
Prison Reform Trust
Aims to ensure prisons are just, humane and effective. Provides critical comment on
prospective prison reform and criminal justice issues. Become a friend of Prison Reform
Trust to receive their Magazine prisonReport and enjoy discounts on specialist publications.
www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk
Prisoners' Advice Service
Provides practical advice (free and confidential) to prisoners in England and Wales, aiming
to ensure they are treated according to Prison Regulations. Direct opportunities to volunteer
as an advisor or support worker.
www.prisonersadvice.org.uk/
Privacy International
Fights to protect the fragile right to privacy, usually the first casualty in the surveillance state.
Based in London, with offices in Washington DC. Campaigns include border security, antiterrorism measures, policy laundering and identity cards.
www.privacyinternational.org/
Public Law Project
PLP aims to increase public authority accountability by providing legal advice directly to
people affected. Opportunities for specialist practitioners to volunteer on the telephone
advice line and students in administrative or legal research capacities.
www.publiclawproject.org.uk/
Refugee Council
One stop shop for refugees‟ needs – through four regional offices, the Council offers
representation and advice to those arriving in the UK with no support network and facing
legal proceedings in order to stay. Over 300 volunteers cover everything from football
coaching to serving lunch and teaching English.
www.refugeecouncil.org.uk
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Refugee Legal Centre
A national organisation and charity offering legal advice and representation to asylum
seekers and refugees.
www.refugee-legal-centre.org.uk/
Release
Drugs, the law and human rights: Release aims to guide those affected by drug use through
the mire. Offers both a Legal helpline and Legal Outreach project in London. The innovative
Bust Card reminding drug users of their legal rights.
www.release.org.uk/
Reprieve
Internationally campaigning for prisoners denied justice by various governments through
litigation investigation and public education. Excellently regarded US Internships allows law
students to work directly on death row projects. Wealth of experience with Guantanamo Bay
detainees.
www.reprieve.org.uk/
Rethinking Crime and Punishment
Prison has never been a hotter agenda topic – this strategic initiative of the Esmée Fairbairn
Foundation aims to implement findings about how effective our punishment system is.
Follow the Project‟s progress by reading reports online.
www.rethinking.org.uk/
Rights International
Fights for protection of the rights contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Campaign methods include a Brief Bank, with downloadable model human rights appeal
templates, research guide and on going publications programme. Boasts the Frank C
Newham Internship programme and Law School consortium, allowing educational
establishments to be directly involved.
www.rightsinternational.org/
Rights of Women
Maintains a popular telephone helpline advising the public and publishes information sheets
on every legal issue impacting on women‟s lives specifically. Sports the two hallmarks of a
support charity: free and confidential, and is currently recruiting legally qualified volunteers.
www.rightsofwomen.org.uk
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Solicitors' International Human Rights Group
Supporting human rights protections by herding solicitors into a hive of voluntary activity. A
massive twelve separate working groups, including the death penalty and human trafficking.
Online forum for members and free entry to compelling monthly speaker event, covering upto-the-minute legal issues.
http://sites.google.com/a/sihrg.org/solicitors-international-human-rights-group/Home
Social Security Law Practitioners Association
Organises meetings and other happenings for lawyers and specialist advisers working in the
social security law field.
www.sslpa.org.uk/
Statewatch
Keeps an eye on the State whilst it keeps an eye on us. Dedicated to maintaining civil
liberties and democratic standards in Europe, by campaigning and publicity. Services include
a database of 24,000 articles whilst current projects relate to CIA rendition, border wars and
asylum crimes.
www.statewatch.org/
Stonewall
Well known organisation that aims to ensure equal treatment for lesbian and gay people, by
raising awareness, campaigning against/for legal reform and providing Diversity Champions
to over 300 organisations. And counting.
www.stonewall.org.uk/
Unlock Democracy
What once was Charter 88, now different label on the same constitutionally concerned tin.
Aims to put the people power back into democracy, through campaigning for a written
constitution, elected House of Lords and Citizens‟ Convention (direct democracy).
www.unlockdemocracy.org.uk/
Young Legal Aid Lawyers
But you don't have to be young - just committed to legal aid and either a student or of no
more than ten years' qualification or call. Membership's free.
www.younglegalaidlawyers.org
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Organisers
Courtenay Barklem, The Law Society/Human Rights Lawyers Association (HRLA)
Anna Tkaczynska, HRLA
Martha Spurrier, HRLA
Hannah Manson, HRLA
Amanda Walker, HRLA
Sarah Smith, The Law Society
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