Law Society’s Centre for Justice and Law Reform: Summer School

19/06/2025 16:11:00

Former CIA Director John Brennan and UK Commissioner for Countering Extremism Robyn Simcox are among the high-profile speakers attending a Law Society event later this week.

The Summer School, which is the inaugural event of the Law Society’s newly established Centre for Justice and Law Reform is taking place on 26 and 27 June.

Other speakers include:

  • Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection;

  • Rossa Fanning, Attorney General of Ireland;

  • Justice Marie Baker, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (An Coimisiún Toghcháin) and former Judge of the Supreme Court;

  • Niamh Hodnett, Online Safety Commissioner (Coimisiún na Meán);

  • Claire Loftus, Member of the Board of Directors of An Garda Síochána, and of Cuan (DSGBV State Agency), and former Director of Public Prosecutions;

  • Nóirín O’Sullivan, former Garda Commissioner.

200 attendees are expected to attend the Summer School to explore the timely and pressing theme of ‘Defending Democracy: Legal Responses to Emerging Threats’. This theme puts a spotlight on democracy, its importance and value while also recognising that it is under threat in different ways in various parts of the world.

The Law Society’s Centre for Justice and Law Reform is a new research centre that aims to help shape law reform and bring about improvements in the justice system.

Guided by an expert advisory board, the Centre for Justice is dedicated to improving the public’s experience of the Irish justice system by publishing evidence-based research, engaging with policymakers, and advocating for meaningful law reform.