International development and human rights
“...An effective legal and judicial system is not a luxury but a key component of a well-functioning state and an essential ingredient in long term development.” James Wolfensohn – ex president of the World Bank.
Solicitors and the legal profession have a clear role to play in championing the values and concepts of Justice, Fairness, Equity and Legitimacy. We aim to promote the values and principles that underpin the legal profession by:
“Supporting the legal profession in upholding the rule of law, advocating access to justice and promoting and protecting Human Rights.”
The Law Society’s International Department has been carrying out externally funded project work for the best part of a decade. During this time we have received substantial grants from development agencies and government, and worked in partnership with bar associations/NGOs and governments overseas to deliver projects which promote and protect human rights; support the rule of law and access to justice; and encourage economic development. See below for examples of some of our International work.
Our involvement in such projects can take many forms. This can range from: working with local NGOs in managing direct service delivery, the provision of short and long term expert consultancy work; research and policy recommendations to government; delivery of training and seminars for lawyers and the legal profession.
We undertake this work because we believe that upholding the rule of law, advocating access to justice and promoting and protecting human rights serves both the interests of our members, and the legal profession globally, and we believe that it is in the common interests of the legal profession throughout the world to promote the public interest role that lawyers can and should play in society.
Making legal institutions accessible and responsive to all, including the underprivileged is a central challenge to the legal profession. We believe that lawyers have a key role to play in helping to build and establish lasting structures processes and institutions that are built on the values and principles that underpin the legal profession.
Spotlight
Law Society's response to the Queen's Speech: Communication Bill
The proposed legislation seeks to "maintain the ability" of the authorities "to access vital communications data under strict safeguards to protect the public".
The proposals are set out more fully in the Home Office press release (PDF).
Law Society response to Queen's speech: Justice and Security Bill
The Queen's speech has outlined proposals to "introduce legislation to strengthen oversight of the security and intelligence agencies. This will also allow courts, through the limited use of closed proceedings, to hear a greater range of evidence in national security cases."
Book now: Graham Turnbull prize giving event
Law students, trainee solicitors, pupil barristers and junior lawyers (current, prospective or inbetween stages) were invited to enter the Law Society's annual Graham Turnbull essay competition on human rights.
Careers event: How to be a Human Rights Lawyer?
This event is now full, if you would like to be added to the waiting list please email events@lawsociety.org.uk
The Law Society will be hosting its annual human rights careers event in London on 31 May 2012.