This workshop will develop your confidence in engaging with the law through assessing innovative approaches, and helping you construct a framework to consider including the law in your campaign.
The legal environment is often perceived as specialist, technical, exclusionary and intimidating. Yet proactively using the law has played a critical role in significant campaigns including protesting against the expansion of Heathrow airport and air pollution levels; campaigning to protect our reproductive rights, and for justice for the Hillsborough victims to name but a few.
4 things you will do in this workshop:
- Learn about innovative ways the law can be used
- Develop an understanding of how the law can be an empowerment tool for your cause or community
- Examine the possible ways of using the law. Whether you should consider legal action – or is it not right for your campaign?
- Explore successful examples of campaigning through the law
Find out more about using the law to achieve change in this blog https://smk.org.uk/a-leap-into-the-unknown-a-case-study-for-using-the-law-for-social-change/
Please note that this workshop has participatory elements. If you are unable to participate for any reason or in a specific manner (e.g. speaking, camera on, chat function, breakout rooms, etc.), please put that in the “Accessibility Requirements” section during checkout, and remind your facilitator at the beginning of the session.
If you would like to speak to someone further, please email megan.poyiadzis@smk.org.uk
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How much are the workshops?
SMK’s Open Workshops run on a progressive pricing model:
- Small orgs (£10k – £100k) – £96 + VAT
- Medium orgs (£100k – £1m) – £160 + VAT
- Large orgs (Tier 1: £1m – £10m) – £240 + VAT
- Large orgs (Tier 2: £10m+) – £280 + VAT
Independent campaigners will pay the ‘small orgs’ fee.
How can I pay for a workshop?
You have the option to pay by card or invoice – just choose your preferred method during the checkout.
Are the workshops online or in-person?
They’re delivered online via Zoom.
How long are the workshops?
The workshops are three hours long. The online get-togethers are an hour and a half.
What if I can’t participate during the workshop?
This workshop includes participatory elements. If you have any access requirements or prefer not to participate in certain ways (e.g. speaking, camera use, chat or breakout rooms), please note this at checkout and let your facilitator know at the start of the session.
Can I attend any of these workshops as a package, instead?
Yes. You can find out more information about our Campaign Carousel programme here.
Who can I contact with questions about this workshop?
For any questions about our Open Training, please email SMK’s Programmes Manager Megan Poyiadzis
Workshop Dates
Thurs 7th May 2026, 2-5pm
Wed 14th Oct 2026, 2-5pm
Tues 16th Feb 2027, 2-5pm
Shauneen Lambe
SMK Associate
This workshop is led by SMK Associate and barrister, Shauneen Lambe who is dedicated to using the law as a tool for social justice.
As the co-founder and CEO of Just for Kids Law, she developed the holistic model of representation for children to improve lives of children and young people through the rule of law and advocacy. Shauneen was also a founding member of Reprieve, the UK charity that fights for the rights of people facing the death penalty.
What participants say:
Siana Bangura
Writer, Producer & Campaigner (Freelance)
”The workshop on Law was hugely inspiring, especially because the person who facilitated it is a working lawyer and she showed us examples from her work and very deeply moving stories of pursuing justice and accountability. At this stage of my life, that’s the type of impact I want to have – very real, very tangible, deep, and lasting.”
Participant, 2023
“[The most useful parts were] exploring the range of legal actions and oversight being undertaken and the routes to effective outcomes through networking and principled application of the law.”
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