Using the legal system to achieve change

pen pointing at writing on piece of paper with picture of scales of justice

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.  

Four 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/ 

Workshop dates                                         
Tues 4th Nov 2025, 2-5pm
Thurs 26th Feb 2026, 2-5pm

The Campaign Carousel runs on a progressive pricing model.

Small orgs: turnover of £10k – £100k = pay £797.50 plus VAT
Med orgs: turnover of £100k – £1M = pay £1155 plus VAT
Large orgs: turnover of £1M to £10M = pay £1650plus VAT

Individuals not affiliated to an organisation pay the ‘small orgs’ fee. If you would like to speak to someone further, please email megan.poyiadzis@smk.org.uk

 

Campaign Carousel dates

Starts September 2025

Campaign Carousel dates

Starts September 2025

Shaista Aziz

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.  

Read more about Shauneen here

What participants say:

Siana Bangura

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.”

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