The Aberdeen Law Project (ALP) hosted its Annual Lecture on 10 April 2026 at the University of Aberdeen’s King’s College Conference Centre, welcoming the right honourable Lady Carmichael as the guest speaker.
This year’s lecture focused on the role of law clinics in both advancing access to justice and legal education, alongside broader reflections on professionalism, the rule of law, and the responsibilities of future lawyers.
Drawing on her extensive experience across practice and the judiciary, Lady Carmichael delivered a detailed and thought-provoking address. Central to her lecture was the importance of law clinics as a bridge between academic study and practical experience. She traced the historical development of clinical legal education, highlighting its growth across the UK and its increasing significance within modern legal training, as well as its place in bridging the access to justice gap. In doing so, she emphasised that law clinics serve a dual purpose: not only do they enhance students’ practical skills and employability, but they also play a crucial role in addressing unmet legal needs within society.
Lady Carmichael noted that these twin aims were not incompatible. Rather, the development of professional, ethical, and analytical skills within clinical environments directly contributes to the effective functioning of the legal system and the preservation of the rule of law. The importance of access to justice, she noted, is not limited to high-profile public law disputes, but extends equally to everyday private law matters, where individuals rely on the law to enforce their rights and obligations.
A key theme of the lecture was the importance of professionalism and ethics in legal practice. Lady Carmichael stressed that the role of a lawyer goes beyond technical legal analysis, encompassing integrity, independence, and respect in all professional interactions. From client communication to dealings with courts and third parties, she highlighted that every interaction contributes to public trust in the legal profession. These values, she explained, are best developed through practical experience, making clinical work an invaluable component of legal education.
Reflecting on the work of the Aberdeen Law Project, Lady Carmichael praised its broad approach to access to justice. In addition to providing legal assistance, she recognised the Project’s commitment to community outreach and legal education, particularly its efforts to improve public understanding of civil law. She noted that initiatives aimed at educating communities and preventing legal issues before they arise are essential in addressing the wider justice gap.
During the question-and-answer session, Lady Carmichael encouraged students to engage actively in efforts to improve access to justice, whether through clinical work, involvement in third-sector organisations, or participation in public consultations on legal reform. She also highlighted the importance of perseverance and professional development for those aspiring to judicial roles, noting that there are multiple pathways into the judiciary.
In closing, Lady Carmichael commended the Aberdeen Law Project and its members for their dedication to supporting the community and promoting access to justice. She emphasised that the work undertaken by student-led initiatives such as ALP not only benefits individual clients but also contributes to the long-term strength and integrity of the legal system.
Poppy Li, Deputy Student Director, said: “I am truly grateful to all of our volunteers, support network and partnering law firms who came along to celebrate the success of the Aberdeen Law Project. Lady Carmichael's speech has brought fresh energy to our team, who have a new motivation for supporting access to justice and possibilities in their potential futures. I look forward to seeing what will be accomplished in the coming years.”
Charlotte Kimm, Administration Lead, said: “The lecture this year was an incredible experience, and I am very grateful to have been part of it. Hearing from Lady Carmichael was particularly inspiring, especially our conversation about women in law. She spoke candidly about her experience of progressing within a traditionally male-dominated profession and the challenges she encountered in rising through the ranks. Her reflections were both motivating and empowering, giving me a renewed sense of confidence in the possibilities for my own future legal career. I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to speak with her personally.”
The Aberdeen Law Project extends its gratitude to Lady Carmichael for her attendance and insights, which have inspired our ongoing endeavours. Her endorsement serves as a testament to our commitment to advancing access to justice and fostering positive change within our communities. We would also like to extend our thanks to our sponsors: The University of Aberdeen, CMS, and Womble Bond Dickinson for their continued support over the years.