Baroness Lady Hale, former president of the UK’s Supreme Court, connects with York Law School students in visit to campus

News

Posted on Tuesday 3 March 2026

Earlier this month Baroness Lady Hale, former president of the UK’s Supreme Court, visited the University’s Law School for a special talk.

Lady Hale is wearing a black turtleneck with a starfish brooch

Hosted by Professor Charlotte O' Brien of York Law School, Lady Hale spoke passionately about her new book ‘With the Law on Our Side: How the law works for everyone and how we can make it work better’. Using real stories from real courts, the book explores the complexities of law in today’s society, examining the rights of schoolchildren, disabled people, workers, minorities and patients.

With a lifelong commitment to justice for all, Lady Hale is renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to the British law system. As the first woman appointed to the Law Commission, she spearheaded pivotal legal reforms. She later became the first female judge in the House of Lords, and was the first female President of the UK Supreme Court. In 2015 Hale became an Honorary Graduate of the University of York, awarded by former Chancellor Greg Dyke.

Throughout her career, the Baroness has been celebrated for her contributions to family and social welfare law. She holds an unwavering commitment to justice and advocacy for gender equality in the legal profession, and has been outspoken in championing equality in opportunities for young people. Last summer, she hosted an event at the House of Lords celebrating the IntoUniversity learning centres, set up in partnership with the University of York and Hull to inspire young people growing up in economically disadvantaged areas to achieve their aspirations.

Lady Hale is sat with a York Law School professor talking to a group of students on campus. Behind her is a sign reading 'the Baroness Hale legal clinic'

Lady Hale talking to students at the Legal Clinic.

Named in honour of Lady Hale, The Baroness Hale Legal Clinic is an important extension of this belief in justice and fairness for all. Opened in 2011, the legal clinic is a free service where students (supervised by professionally qualified lawyers) provide legal support on a range of issues for the public. The service is free and confidential, helping the community to access high-quality legal advice when it is needed most, especially for those who may struggle to find or afford legal advice.

Alongside the talk on her latest book, Lady Hale’s visit to campus provided her with the opportunity to revisit the legal clinic and celebrate the impact of the clinic’s work on both students and the community.

Looking to the future, the Legal Clinic is hoping to expand its work by fundraising for students to travel and learn more about clinical work around the world and for students to work on specific areas of legal work that support the local community. The clinic is also interested in opportunities to partner with law firms to support its vital work.

You can read more about the Baroness Hale Legal Clinic on their website. If you are interested in learning more about working with the legal clinic, or partnering with them, please contact Helen Bradley at Helen.Bradley@york.ac.uk.