About this Event
We are delighted to invite you to the launch of the Gypsy and Traveller Law Network. This is a newly established network of legal professionals representing Gypsy and Traveller clients, particularly around accommodation matters. This event is organised by Public Interest Law Centre and Friends, Families and Travellers.
The evening will include speakers from Garden Court Chambers and Public Interest Law Centre, as well as clients sharing their lived experience and the importance of being represented in legal challenges.
The launch event aims to share information, foster collaboration and build representation in Gypsy and Traveller law, in order to increase the amount of practitioners working in this under resourced area. Growing and sustaining this network is essential to ensuring long‑term, high‑quality representation for Gypsy and Traveller clients.
The Network has two core aims:
- To build alliances and provide expert support for those currently practising in this field; and
- To mentor and support new practitioners who wish to develop their practice in Gypsy and Traveller law.
In addition to its direct and positive impact on clients’ lives, Gypsy and Traveller law is a rich and dynamic area of practice, encompassing planning, housing, homelessness, human rights, civil injunctions and much more.
Agenda
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:00 PM
Arrivals
Info: Teas, Coffee and refreshments are available
🕑: 06:00 PM - 06:05 PM
Chair's welcome
Info: Marc Willers KC will open and introduce the event
🕑: 06:05 PM - 06:15 PM
The Gypsy and Traveller project at Public Interest Law Centre
Info: Keith Coughtrie, Solicitor, and Rosie Fox, Paralegal from the Public Interest Law Centre will introduce the new Gypsy and Traveller Law Network and the importance of legal work to assist Gypsies and Travellers to live in culturally appropriate accommodation
🕑: 06:15 PM - 06:25 PM
Chris Johnson, from the Community Law Partnership
Info: Chris Johnson, retired solicitor from the Travellers’ Advice Team at Community Law Partnership, will discuss the wins and prominent cases challenging injustices experienced by Gypsies and Travellers
🕑: 06:25 PM - 06:35 PM
Stephen Cottle, Garden Court Chambers
Info: Stephen Cottle to discuss representing clients resisting possession proceedings in ‘Medway Council v Heron and others’. Stephen will lay out some of the arguments presented and the Judgment
🕑: 06:35 PM - 06:45 PM
Several clients represented in ‘Medway Council v Heron and others’ (2025)
Info: Personal accounts of the importance of being represented in proceedings
🕑: 06:45 PM - 07:00 PM
Q&A session
🕑: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
We invite you to stay for food and drinks, with the opportunity for networking
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Garden Court Chambers, 9 Carmelite Street, London, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
