Government advisor on tax avoidance delivers the 30th Annual Essex Law Lecture

Ahead of the lecture, Jolyon visited the Essex Law Clinic to meet students and staff including Director, Professor Donald Nicolson, and student directors Daria Dlugosz and Callum Robertson.

Jolyon learned how the clinic, established in 2008, provides legal advice to local people who cannot afford legal services but don't qualify for legal aid, while giving Essex students invaluable experience of working alongside practising lawyers.

Commenting on his visit Professor Nicolson said: “Having Jo visit the clinic was inspiring. Students learnt how the fight for justice can be carried on into practice and we discussed possible ways of working together with the Good Law Project to promote social justice. Hopefully, his visit will be the start of a fruitful collaboration.”

The evening saw the awarding of prizes, sponsored by SNELS, to two Essex Law students. Shona Waters was presented with the award for the best overall performance by a second year undergraduate, while the LLM prize for 2017 went to Tobias Van Nuess.

Professor Karen Hulme, Head of the School of Law said: ‘It was a lovely evening. We were treated to a fascinating talk, which stimulated a lively discussion and thoughtful reflection. The School of Law is always very proud to host such a wonderful evening of thought-provoking legal discourse, and one which provides our students with a great opportunity to network with members of the local profession. Through its long-standing sponsorship of the Annual Law Lecture and prestigious student prizes, SNELS helps the School of Law to promote and reward excellence in education’.

The Annual Essex Law Lecture has welcomed a host of prestigious speakers in the past including Martha Spurrier, Director of Liberty and Professor David Ormerod QC, the Law Commissioner for England and Wales who is responsible for Criminal Law, Evidence and Procedure.