Make sure you pop 7th November in your diary! From 3pm that afternoon, City will be hosting the fantastic Social Justice Law Fair; which showcases the rich and diverse career opportunities within the social justice sector. We’re expecting around 30 exhibitors.

Schedule

• 3-5pm Social Justice Law Fair
• 5:30-6:30 Careers Panel on working in social justice & introduction to the Justice First Fellowship
• 6:30-7:30 Networking

What’s the Social Justice Law Fair?

The Social Justice Law Fair (SJLF) was conceived by Karen Doyle, now a trainee solicitor, while she was studying for the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) at London South Bank University. As a career changer with a background in immigrant rights activism, Karen’s drive to become a lawyer was deeply rooted in her commitment to social justice. However, she was disheartened by the lack of visibility and promotion of the social justice sector among law students. Most law fairs and diversity initiatives focused almost exclusively on corporate and commercial sectors. Opportunities presented to law students, such as vacation schemes and social media engagements, were predominantly geared towards these sectors. Karen envisaged a different type of law fair, and last year this was brought to life at the University of Westminster.

Was the 2023 SJLF a success?

Yes! The event featured 31 exhibitors, including chambers, law firms, charities, NGOs, and campaign groups committed to social justice, and attracted over 100 attendees. Students and graduates travelled from across the country to participate. Feedback from both exhibitors and attendees was overwhelmingly positive. As a result of the fair, students began volunteering, shadowing barristers, assisting with fundraising events, and forming valuable connections within the sector.

Is Karen still involved?

Karen has since been selected for a Justice First Fellowship and has started her training contract with Wilson’s and Rainbow Migration, both of which were exhibitors at the Social Justice Law Fair. She remains dedicated to ensuring that the Social Justice Law Fair becomes an annual event in the legal calendar, expanding to provide even more opportunities for aspiring social justice lawyers.

Founding principles of the SJLF

1. Accessibility: The SJLF is free to attend as both an exhibitor and guest. Every effort will be taken to ensure the event is accessible to all.
2. Inclusivity: The SJLF is open to ALL students, graduates and aspiring social justice lawyers.
3. Commitment to Legal Aid: SJLF exhibitors, if law firms or chambers, must offer some proportion of legally aided services.
4. Diverse participation: The SJLF actively seeks and welcomes exhibitors from charities, not for profit organisations, community groups and grassroots campaigns.
5. Promotion of Social Justice: The fair is dedicated to promoting opportunities within the social justice sector for aspiring social justice lawyers.