The Aberdeen Law Project hosted its Annual Lecture on 28 March 2024 at the University of Aberdeen’s King’s College Conference Centre with Lord Neuberger, former President of the UK Supreme Court as guest speaker.
The 2024 Annual Lecture provided a platform to discuss access to justice, reflecting the passion of ALP, while also offering invaluable insights from Lord Neuberger on addressing the justice gap. Lord Neuberger’s address on “Access to Justice and The Rule of law” emphasised the need for the community to have access to legal guidance and the importance of ensuring that members of the public are educated and aware of the law.
Lord Neuberger focused on the importance of access to justice and how it helps to underpin the rule of law. He noted the difference the work of student law clinics like the Aberdeen Law Project can make and how important it is for people to be able to enforce their rights.
Lord Neuberger said, “to get access to justice, justice has to be worth getting”, highlighting the importance of working together to help bridge the justice gap as well as working to make the law as accessible as possible. Lord Neuberger also touched on AI’s future role in the law, his own journey through the legal profession and some of the highlights of his storied career.
Anna Robertson, Chair of the Board, said: “We were thrilled to have Lord Neuberger address ALP and our supporters and have him reaffirm the importance of access to justice in the modern world we live in.”
Emma Jamieson, Student Director, said: “This year’s Annual Lecture was a fantastic celebration of The Aberdeen Law Project and all of our member’s dedication and commitment. To hear Lord Neuberger’s thoughts on our work and its impact within a broader societal context, will have surely encouraged our members to continue to work hard to help reduce the access to justice gap in our local community. An issue that we can only combat if we all work together.”
Soma Mehmood and Hope Laing, Deputy Student Directors said, “As incoming Co-Student Directors, we were delighted to contribute to such a distinguished event. Lord Neuberger’s speech on ‘Access to Justice’ reignited our enthusiasm for pro bono work and highlighted the commendable efforts underway at the Aberdeen Law Project. We eagerly anticipate upholding the legacy set by previous Student Directors and embracing the core values of ALP as we embark on our journey.”
Charlotte Kimm, member of the Aberdeen Law Project, said “This lecture was an incredible experience that I would have never thought to attend without joining ALP. It was amazing to hear from the former President of the Supreme Court, notably learning about his experience of progression from Barrister to Supreme Court Judge. He has made becoming a Barrister much less daunting and has inspired me to strive to become one.”
An awards ceremony followed Lord Neuberger’s address at which the Daniel McColgan Award; the Casus Omissus Rising Star Award; the St Ivo Award for Outstanding Contribution; the University of Aberdeen School of Law Award for Excellence in Advocacy; the Womble Bond Dickinson Award for Enterprise and Innovation; and the CMS Award for Project of the Year were presented to this year’s award winners.
The Daniel McColgan Award- Hannah Bartlett
Ryan Whelan, Founder and Patron of the Aberdeen Law Project, personally sponsors this award, which takes its name from his late grandfather, Daniel McColgan. Ryan, like his grandfather before him, believes passionately that public service and community are of utmost importance. This award is therefore bestowed annually upon the student who has made the greatest individual contribution to the Aberdeen Law Project in the preceding twelve months
Hannah Bartlett received this award for her exceptional dedication and the difference she has made in her role as Director of Representation.
The Casus Omissus Rising Star Award- Finlay Mailer
This award is sponsored by the Aberdeen Law Project’s Chair of the Board, Anna Robertson, who is a former Student Director and has closely worked with and supported the Project throughout the years. It is presented to an individual in their 1st or 2nd year of law within the Aberdeen Law Project who has gone above and beyond their remit and who has shown exceptional drive, determination, and perseverance to help bridge the justice gap in our society.
Finlay Mailer received this award for remarkable achievements, notably assuming the role of Housing Firm Lead as a second-year Law Student.
The University of Aberdeen School of Law Award for Excellence in Advocacy- Aidan Urquhart
In honour of its close working relationship with the Aberdeen Law Project, the School of Law is delighted to sponsor this Award for Excellence in Advocacy. The student judged to have excelled most in representation during the last academic year will be recognised. Both case management and advocacy skills are assessed when selecting the recipient of this award.
Aidan Urquhart received this award for his outstanding work leading a Scottish Social Services Council restoration case.
The Womble Bond Dickinson Award for Enterprise and Innovation- Christiana Cameron
Womble Bond Dickinson is proud to sponsor the innovative work of the Aberdeen Law Project particularly in recognising and responding to the community’s needs. This award is bestowed upon the individual who has particularly stood out in their work showing inventive approaches to a changing environment.
Christiana Cameron received this award for her dedication as Project Lead for the Homeless and Rough Sleeping Awareness Project where she developed new initiatives to help address homelessness in the local community.
The CMS Award for Project of the Year- Domestic Abuse Prevention Project
“Social background should not be a bar to opportunity.” CMS believe in an opportunity to contribute to the development of future generations. CMS help children develop their reading and numeracy skills, mentor older students and provide work experience. Social mobility requires action. CMS are proud to sponsor the exceptional work of the Aberdeen Law Project, particularly within their educational and community outreach projects.
The Domestic Abuse Prevention Project received this award for their impactful initiatives this past year, including workshops in secondary schools and its work to support Grampian Women’s Aid.
The St Ivo Award for Outstanding Contribution- Emma Jamieson
The St. Ivo Award is sponsored by Ryan Whelan, the founder of the Aberdeen Law Project. Working as an advocate in the 13th century, St. Ivo was well known for his dedication to pro bono work on behalf of the poor and oppressed. A man of honesty, integrity and principle, St. Ivo is to this day revered as a model of justice, charity, and compassion, and widely venerated as the patron saint of lawyers and abandoned children. Noting St. Ivo’s sustained dedication to affecting change for those less fortunate, the St. Ivo award is bestowed upon an ALP student who has made a truly outstanding contribution to the project and access to justice over several years.
Emma Jamieson received this award for her invaluable contributions and longstanding commitment to the Aberdeen Law Project, most notably as Student Director, a role she took on in 2022.
The Aberdeen Law Project extends its gratitude to Lord Neuberger for his attendance and insights, which have inspired our ongoing endeavours. His endorsement serves as a testament to our commitment to advancing access to justice and fostering positive change within our communities.
ALP is grateful for continuing financial support from the University of Aberdeen Development Trust.
