University of Suffolk Law Lecture welcomes Sir Brian Leveson

Renowned judge and chair of the high-profile phone-hacking scandal inquiry examining press ethics, Sir Brian Leveson, addressed students and guests at the University of Suffolk’s second annual Law Lecture, entitled My Life in the Law.

During the event, which was hosted by the University of Suffolk’s Legal Advice Centre in partnership with the Suffolk and North Essex Law Society, Sir Brian Leveson shared highlights from his prestigious career which included many high-profile cases. 

Sir Brian’s legal career began more than 50 years ago and his contribution to the legal system has left a positive and meaningful legacy.

One of his most notorious cases during his time as a barrister was the conviction of Rosemary West in 1995, who together with her husband murdered 10 young women.

In 2011, Sir Brian became the chair of the 'phone hacking' public inquiry investigating the culture, practice and ethics of the press, with the findings being published in 2012. 

In addition, Sir Brian occupies the role of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner, publishing annual reports on the use and oversight of covert investigatory powers.
Before the lecture, Sir Brian met with first and second year students and offered them advice as they embark on their careers.

“It is critical that you understand the challenges facing the people you are representing. Success can only be achieved if you put in the work and know more about the case than anyone else involved in it,” Sir Brian said.

He added: “It has been a pleasure to come to the University of Suffolk and meet with students who are already contributing and supporting the community through their work with the University’s Legal Advice Centre.”

Eleanor Scarlett, Director of the University of Suffolk Legal Advice Centre and Senior Lecturer in Law said: “We were delighted to welcome Sir Brian Leveson to the University of Suffolk to share his experiences of the legal system over the last five decades. For our law students, this event provided a unique opportunity to learn more about some of the UK’s most high profile and significant cases.”

The inaugural law lecture, held in 2023, welcomed Lady Hale, former President of the Supreme Court, who also met with law students before delivering her lecture on ‘Justice in the Supreme Court’.

To find out more about the University of Suffolk’s Legal Advice Centre, please visit the webpage here.