Date: 28 March 2014
Venue: The Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Golden Lane, Dublin 8.
Summary: On Friday 28 March 2014 PILA will host a major public interest law conference in Dublin entitled “Using the Law to Challenge Injustice”. The conference’s keynote speech will be delivered by former South African Constitutional Court Judge Albie Sachs. Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton will open the conference. Engaging and practical breakout sessions will be held in the afternoon. Journalist and TV personality Vincent Browne will wrap up the day with a lively panel session.
The conference will be opened by Ms Joan Burton TD, Minister for Social Protection.
The keynote speech will be delivered by former judge of the South African Constitutional Court Albie Sachs. Judge Albie Sachs has dedicated his life to the realisation of human rights in his native South Africa and has been recognised internationally for his contribution to the construction of post-apartheid South Africa, in particular for his involvement in the creation of the South African Constitution.
Click here to watch a 2011 TED Talk by Justice Sachs.
A plenary panel discussion after Justice Sachs' address will focus on the major public interest law issues facing Ireland. In addition to Justice Sachs himself, the panel will feature FLAC Director-General Noeline Blackwell; The PILS Project's Gerry Hyland; FLAC Chairperson Peter Ward SC; Trinity College Dublin Associate Professor Gerry Whyte and Seanad Éireann Senator Katherine Zappone.
The conference will also feature four afternoon breakout sessions, where attendees can engage in practical discussion and learning on the following topics: Institutionalising Pro Bono in Ireland; Mobilising NGOs in using the Law; Ombudsmen & Alternative Routes to Justice; and Clinical Legal Education: Nurturing Future Practitioners
The conference will conclude with refreshments and canapés and lively round-up panel hosted by journalist and TV personality Vincent Browne.
The conference aims to create awareness and debate about public interest law, facilitate a discussion about the institutionalisation of public interest law in Ireland, provide an opportunity for cross-jurisdictional learning and sharing and provide a forum to discuss the barriers to the development public interest law in Ireland.
There is no charge to attend the conference, but quick registration is encouraged as places are fast running out.
Click here to register for the 2014 PILA Conference.
If you have any queries please contact events@pila.ie.