Attracting, supporting and unlocking the potential of students with a view to make a difference and have a positive impact in society.
Our Aim
Following the College’s objective of attracting, supporting and unlocking the potential of students with a view to make a difference and have a positive impact in society, the Public Interest Law Group aims to give back to society by emphasising the role law plays in communities and societies as well as providing cutting-edge world-class research.
Our Objective
Expose students to an alternative area of law based on a spirit of service and volunteerism, enhancing their experience during College but also to provide them with the knowledge and skills to further their career goals, either in the legal arena or other.
Background
The term public interest law originated in the 1970s in the United States that described the use of the law on behalf of the poor, using litigation and public advocacy to solve their social and economic problems. More recently, however, it is not just litigation but a series of advocacy techniques that have been used to help different community and societal goals. Internationally, there are now greater linkages and exchanges among public interest lawyers and academics across the world, and solutions to social and economic problems have also taken a global character. Yet in the UK there is very little research into this area of law.
In light of the above, we have created the Public Interest Law Group to offer innovative research and also expose students to the many realities facing lawyers and communities with regard to legal service provision.
How
- Organising talks and events such as conferences and reading groups in the public interest law arena
- Organise visits to community law centres
- Organise work-placement/volunteer experiences with legal aid office, community law centres, citizens information bureau
- Organise (in the long term) student exchanges with universities in the USA and other countries with a strong history of public interest law learning at the university level.
Social Media
You can follow us on twitter: @PILaw_Group
Contact
The Public Interest Group is led by Dr. Antoinette Nestor. If you would like to become involved or learn more about what we do, please email us at: pilgroupatlucy@gmail.com. You can also follow us on Twitter @PILaw_Group
Events
Please see the Gallery below or check the College calendar for more information.
Our 2023/24 "In Conversation With" Series
26 October 2023: Cambridge and District Citizens Advice with Helen Jones and Liz Paton.
26 January 2024: Mental Capacity Conundrums: Putting the Law in Context with Alex Ruck Keene KC. Please register here.
7 March 2024: Clinical Negligence and Informed Consent with John Whitting KC. Online. Please register here.
Research
We are conducting research on the different types and levels of pro bono work carried out by the legal community within the University. If you are a student, researcher, academic or other involved in any legal probono initiatives or projects, please complete this form.
