Lawyers Bay
It should guarantee that everyone of us receives the same treatment. But the legal profession is difficult and multifaceted. These difficulties can occasionally prevent people from getting the justice they are due.
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Lawyers can support social justice in a number of ways, whether it is by defending either individual or collective liberty. In order to fight for justice for those who would not otherwise be able to, the task starts with legal counsel.
However, the influence is felt well outside of the courtroom. Social justice attorneys support equality. In addition to protecting vulnerable groups and challenging discriminatory policies, they also have the authority to hold those who misuse their position of authority accountable.
Legal professionals have always played a part in social justice campaigns. Take the eradication of slavery in the British Empire, for instance. Lord Chief Justice Mansfield’s decision in 1772 that James Somerset, an enslaved man, could not be taken by force from the United Kingdom and sold in Jamaica was one of the turning points for the abolitionist movement.
“I cannot say this case is allowed or approved by the law of England,” Mansfield said, declaring slavery a “odious” practice and ordering Somerset’s release. Even though it wasn’t until decades later, the Somerset case is considered a pivotal step in the abolition of slavery.
Another key component of women’s suffrage was the legislation. Some of the first women’s suffrage laws were drafted with the assistance of Richard Pankhurst, Emmeline Pankhurst’s husband, and lawyers who represented well-known suffragettes were able to draw attention to women’s inequalities in court and advocate for reform.
As civilization changes, so do the difficulties we confront. To combat systematic injustice and defend human rights, social justice groups depend on legal experts. When it comes to issues like racial injustice, gender inequality, the rights of LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities, employment, healthcare, criminal justice, and the environment, lawyers are essential.
The Post Office scandal, which sought compensation for hundreds wrongfully convicted of theft and false accounting; the Windrush scandal, which discovered that hundreds of Commonwealth citizens had been wrongfully detained, deported, and denied legal rights; and the Uber drivers’ victory to receive paid holidays and a minimum wage are some of the most recent instances of social justice cases.
The difficulties faced by attorneys pursuing social change are undeniable. 64% of solicitors polled by The Law Society in 2023 stated that “access to justice for civil and criminal matters has worsened over the past 10 years.”
Legal practitioners are dealing with issues including reduced financing for the court system and legal aid, which prevents those who cannot afford private legal costs from getting the legal assistance they require. Because of this, the most vulnerable may face discrimination and be unable to speak out against injustices and abuse.
There is job available if you want to practice law and want to combat injustices and effect social change. Opportunities can be found at social justice-focused companies, and many organizations and charities that support the underprivileged might require your legal expertise.
Additionally, a lot of companies probably have pro bono programs or collaborate with nonprofits to provide legal counsel to people who need it most.
Engaging in pro bono work or volunteering for a charity that allows you to use your legal expertise can help you advance your knowledge.
It enhances your resume, gives you the opportunity to connect with other professionals who share your interest in social justice, and—above all—allows you to change the world. We also have a variety of master’s degrees that can be useful if you want to continue your legal study in this specific field.
Our LLM programs in international child law or international human rights can be the ideal choice for a career assisting the weak and underprivileged. As an alternative, our Medical Law and Ethics may assist you in protecting patients and enhancing regulation, and our Human Resources with Employment Law is an excellent approach to learn about the nuances of workers’ rights.
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