Stephen Lawrence Memorial Day: Community Legal Education Showcase

This showcase marks Stephen Lawrence Memorial Day by bringing together students, community partners, and legal educators to celebrate public legal education and community‑engaged learning.

Developed through the Legal Skills module, the community briefs model invites students to respond to real issues identified by local organisations, producing legal education resources designed to support and empower communities. The event highlights the best of this work, demonstrating how student learning can contribute meaningfully to justice, equity, and public understanding of the law.

Hosted at the Reginald Centre, the showcase reflects the strong and growing relationships between the University of Leeds and community partners across Leeds. Alongside student presentations, the programme features contributions from Dr Nick Cartwright, whose scholarship centres justice‑oriented pedagogy and community partnership, and Dwayne Hutchinson, a respected community leader whose insight and lived experience have shaped the development of the briefs and the wider collaboration.

A judging panel – including representatives from A&O Shearman and the University – will select the winning group for the A&O Shearman Prize. The event offers an opportunity to recognise student excellence, strengthen community links, and honour Stephen Lawrence’s legacy by foregrounding justice, partnership, and collective learning.

Bios

Dr Nick Cartwright is an Associate Professor and Director of Student Success and Opportunities at the University of Leeds. His scholarship focuses on justice, race equity, and community‑rooted legal education, with a particular emphasis on anti‑racist pedagogy.

Nick founded the community briefs model used in the Legal Skills module, working with local partners to create authentic, socially meaningful learning
experiences for students. His work is grounded in long‑term relationships with communities across Leeds and beyond, and he is committed to developing
legal education that centres lived experience, justice, and public engagement.

Dwayne Hutchinson is a respected community leader, mentor, and advocate for young people across Leeds. His work focuses on supporting youth
empowerment, community safety, and pathways into education and employment. Dwayne has collaborated with universities, schools, and local organisations to strengthen relationships between institutions and the communities they serve. He has been a key partner in the development of the Legal Skills community briefs. Dwayne’s contributions to previous Law School events have been central to building trust, sustaining partnerships, and ensuring that the work remains grounded in the realities of local communities.

Refreshments will be provided.

The event is free, but please book tickets here.