Sunday, February 25, 2024

Legal Design School


This is Legal Design School, a pioneering platform designed to revolutionize legal education through creativity and innovation. It was founded in 2021 by Aku Nikkola, a legal designer and web developer, who brings extensive experience from various legal design projects and Antti Innanen, a lawyer, educator, and innovator, who is dedicated to transforming the practice of law through legal design principles.

The school offers a wide array of courses and workshops tailored to meet the needs of legal professionals. Some of its standout offerings include Legal DesignOPS, Law3, Prompting 2.0, Storytelling for Legal Professionals, the Legal Design Project Course, and Information Design for Lawyers. These programs are designed to be both practical and implementable, allowing participants to apply new skills directly to their work. With flexible, self-paced learning options, participants can seamlessly integrate their education into their busy schedules, benefiting from the guidance of experienced legal design trainers.

Legal Design School ensures a rich learning experience by providing course materials in both audio and text formats and awarding professional certificates upon completion. Beyond its courses, the platform fosters a dynamic community of legal professionals and offers additional resources such as insightful blog posts and events.

In conclusion, Legal Design School is an invaluable resource for aspiring lawyers and legal professionals. By equipping lawyers with tools to navigate the ever-changing legal landscape, it promotes creativity, empathy, and innovation in the field. It serves as an invaluable resource for professionals eager to elevate their practice and make a meaningful impact in the legal world.


Sunday, February 18, 2024

UnLtd


This is the online hub of UnLtd, a foundation dedicated to empowering social entrepreneurs with the essential resources and funding needed to launch and grow their ventures. Since its establishment in 2002 by a consortium of seven organisations, UnLtd has supported over 16,000 individuals through its award programmes, offering life-changing opportunities for those aiming to make a positive social impact.

By visiting the UnLtd website, you will discover a treasure trove of information about their award schemes, which provide up to £18,000 in funding for organisational costs and growth initiatives. But it doesn’t stop there. Awardees gain access to a wealth of invaluable resources, including dedicated support managers, expert mentors, insightful workshops, impact measurement tools, and pro bono services—all designed to guide you through the complexities of running a successful social enterprise. They also host workshops, learning sessions, and accelerators to help you sharpen essential business skills, from marketing to finance and beyond.

UnLtd places a special focus on two vital areas: healthy ageing and access to employment. They work tirelessly to improve the lives of marginalised older adults and those facing barriers to work. In addition, their collaboration with Big Issue Invest and Shift has resulted in a social investment fund aimed at supporting early-stage social businesses with high growth potential.

What sets UnLtd apart is its unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. They aim to ensure that at least 50% of their awards go to Black, Asian, and minority ethnic social entrepreneurs, as well as disabled social entrepreneurs.

UnLtd’s website provides a wealth of opportunities to engage with social entrepreneurship and gain insights into the legal and regulatory dimensions of launching and managing social ventures. Whether you are looking to advise future clients in the social enterprise space or even considering starting your own, you will find plenty of tools and inspiration here.

On the website, you will also find detailed guidance on how to apply for awards, along with blog posts, podcasts, and event listings that keep you informed and inspired. You will even discover ways to get involved through donating, campaigning, or volunteering—perfect for building connections and understanding the wider social impact sector.

In summary, UnLtd plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation and driving positive societal change, making their website a valuable resource for those of you looking to leave your mark on the world. 


Sunday, February 11, 2024

First 100 Years


This is the website of First 100 Years, a remarkable project dedicated to chronicling the history of women in law since 1919. This pioneering initiative was founded by Dana Denis-Smith, an award-winning entrepreneur, passionate equality campaigner, TEDx speaker, and philanthropist. In 2014, Dana launched the project to mark the approaching centenary of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919, the landmark legislation that first allowed women to enter the legal profession. Her mission is to shine a light on the inspiring stories and achievements of women in law and to motivate future generations—perhaps including you—to forge your path in this rewarding field.

As you explore this website, you will uncover a treasure trove of insights celebrating the triumphs and challenges of women in the legal profession across the UK. It is more than a history lesson; it is a powerful reminder of the strides made towards gender equality and inclusion in the sector. Backed by esteemed organisations such as the Law Society, Bar Council, and CILEx, this project weaves together the narratives of women in law through 100 captivating video stories—each one a testament to their courage and determination.

If podcasts pique your interest, you are in for a treat. In January 2019, First 100 Years unveiled a compelling series of ten podcasts, released monthly to commemorate the centenary of women entering the profession. In partnership with Goldman Sachs and Linklaters, these 45-minute episodes bring together legal pioneers, historians, academics, and practitioners. You will hear lively discussions on themes like gender stereotypes, work/life balance, and the ongoing journey towards diversity in the legal workplace.

The website does not stop there. It is also a hub for engaging events, conferences, and exhibitions. These gatherings bring together legal professionals, academics, and advocates for meaningful conversations about gender equality and inclusion. They are fantastic opportunities to network, exchange ideas, and deepen your understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing women in the legal field today.

In conclusion, First 100 Years is far more than a project about the past; it is a vibrant celebration of the resilience, achievements, and contributions of women in law. Whether you are an experienced solicitor, a law student, or simply fascinated by legal history, this website offers an abundance of inspiration and valuable insights. Dive into these extraordinary stories, and you will not only learn about the remarkable women who paved the way but also discover fresh motivation to shape your own future in the legal profession. 


Sunday, February 4, 2024

The Justice Gap


This is The Justice Gap website—a brilliant online magazine created to bridge the divide between the legal profession and the public. If you are an aspiring lawyer or a legal professional, this is the perfect platform to deepen your understanding of the law and its role in society. Its mission is simple yet powerful: to demystify complex legal concepts, empower individuals, and encourage informed discussions on matters that truly shape our world.

Founded in 2011 by Jon Robins, a journalist and criminology lecturer at Brighton University, who still serves as its editor, The Justice Gap boasts contributions from a stellar lineup. Esteemed campaigning lawyers like Michael Mansfield QC, prominent journalists including Ian Cobain, Bob Woffinden, and David Jessel, as well as academics and respected commentators, all lend their voices to this compelling publication.

Here, you will find no shying away from the tough topics. The articles dig deep into legal cases, policy developments, and human rights issues, offering detailed coverage on everything from landmark court rulings to the structural flaws within the justice system. It is the ideal resource if you are looking to stay informed about the intricacies of the legal landscape. 

What sets The Justice Gap apart is its ability to humanise the law. It’s not just about statutes and precedents—it’s about people. Personal stories of those navigating the justice system—whether victims, defendants, lawyers, or activists—are shared, illustrating the profound impact legal decisions have on everyday lives. These narratives will give you invaluable insight into the human element of the law, which is vital for anyone pursuing a legal career.

Within its digital pages, you will discover a treasure trove of news articles, thought-provoking interviews, in-depth features and podcasts. 

What’s more, The Justice Gap isn’t just a one-way street. Through comment sections and social media, you can join lively debates, ask questions, and share your experiences. This interactive community fosters dialogue and encourages you to question, learn, and challenge assumptions—essential qualities for any budding legal mind.

In short, The Justice Gap is far more than a legal resource—it’s a catalyst for change. By making legal knowledge accessible and relatable, it empowers you to better understand your rights, responsibilities, and the justice system at large. Whether you are aiming to sharpen your legal skills or simply stay informed, this website will be an indispensable companion on your journey into the legal profession.


Investment Week