Activist Lawyer

Episode 50: Kevin Hanratty

Sarah is joined by Kevin Hanratty, Director of Human Rights Consortium to discuss the engaging and imperative work his organisation undertakes to advance the development of human rights in Northern Ireland.  The Human Rights Act is up for discussion with a focus on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.  Listeners will gain important insights into how a state human rights review works in line with international standards and will hear more about the exciting line up for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Festival 3rd – 10th December 2022!

Episode 49: Owen Beattie

In this weeks episode, our host Sarah, is joined by solicitor Owen Beattie who talks about his journey into human rights, public interest law and criminal defence law before opening his new firm, Owen Beattie Solicitors this year.  Owen provides excellent insights into his current practice touching on his work with families around the Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) Redress Board. 

Episode 48: Jude Copeland

In this week's episode, Sarah is joined by Jude Copeland, Legal Technology Specialist, from Cleaver Fulton Rankin who intrigues us with an honest and frank insight into his legal journey, his outstanding work with the LBGTQ+ community, human rights projects and not forgetting – the importance for solicitors to stop time wasting and start using legal technology in practice!

Episode 47: Qays Sediqi

In this episode Sarah is joined by solicitor Qays Sediqi who specialises in human rights law and immigration.  Qays represents clients who boarded the plane destined for Rwanda this year.  He talks about challenging the government regarding removals to Rwanda and his Afghan refugee cases.  Qays speaks candidly about his journey into law which was not without its challenges!  A really important episode for anyone who feels a little daunted about entering the world of public / human rights law!

Episode 46: Dr Jo Wilding

Are Immigration and Asylum practitioners at breaking point?  Sarah is joined by Dr Jo Wilding who reveals some stark findings through her publications and research on immigration and the legal aid market including capacity for casework and of course funding.   As well as her core research, Jo also discusses her fascinating journey into law.  A true Activist Lawyer experience! 

Episode 45: Saoirse Brady

This month saw the announcement of reforms to penal policies in the Republic of Ireland – changes that have the potential to radically overhaul how the courts, Probation Service and Prison Service deal with those convicted of crimes.
 
We were delighted to be joined by Saoirse Brady, Executive Director of the Irish Penal Reform Trust to talk about the work of this organisation at such a crucial time.  Saoirse, a non-practicing lawyer, takes us on her career journey which is truly inspiring and informative.  Not to be missed!

Episode 44: David Renton

In this episode, Sarah & Jack are joined by David Renton who is a barrister, and has represented clients in a number of high-profile cases, especially concerning trade union rights and the protection of free speech.

Episode 43: Welcome back!

In this week's episode, Sarah and Jack are back in the studio! 

Episode 42: Yassin Brunger

In this week's episode, Sarah and Jack are joined by Dr Yassin Brunger, a Lecturer in Human Rights Law and Co-Director of the Gender Justice and Society Research Network at Queen’s University Belfast.

Epiosde 41: Beyond Skin

Beyond Skin are creative Innovators in Peacebuilding: Enabling the Arts as the dialogue to assist the development of a more peaceful, equal and intercultural society free from racism & sectarianism.