Activist Lawyer

The first episode of 2023 kicks off with Aoife Kelly Desmond, Managing Solicitor at Mercy Law Resource Centre, Dublin.   Aoife talks about transitioning from corporate law into human rights law and discusses the crucial work undertaken at MLRC particularly as Ireland faces a housing and homelessness crisis.    Activism and law in action!

Meet the solicitor who inspired Activist Lawyer, Jonathan McKeown from JMK Solicitors. Jonathan takes us back to Autumn 2020 to talk about the origin of the concept for ‘Activist Lawyer’ as not just a podcast but as an outlet for showcasing and praising the people working to make the lives of the public better not just for today but into the future. Sarah and Jonathan discuss past guests, inspiring activist lawyers, the podcast’s coverage of important legal issues and Jonathan’s own career in law, business and podcasting!

This is our FINAL episode of the year and of this season! We are delighted to have recorded over 50 episodes to date and we look forward to bringing more activism to the airwaves in 2023!

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!

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. 

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!

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!

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! 

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!

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.

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