Legal Geek London

The Amsterdam Law Hub and the UvA Sustainability Platform were invited together to give an interactive workshop at Legal Geek in London. We had a great time facilitating a creative, interactive and socially relevant workshop on climate justice. Together with a group of around thirty participants we delved deeper into how lawyers can contribute to a more sustainable future-proof world, inspiring each other how to actually make a difference.

Climate justice: innovating beyond pro bono

In our workshop, the participants got their hands dirty by thinking beyond pro bono and the usual CSR ideas. We discussed two very diverse, relevant and topical issues on climate justice that our own academic researchers are currently working on. The first case focused on the work of Associate Professor of Sustainability Law Margaretha Wewerinke-Singh, in which the participants were asked to think about how the evidence from her Vanuatu case can also be used for other similar climate cases.

The second case focused on the use of synthetic data for AI models and what trade-offs companies have to make between pollution and privacy of such data. This case is the result of the research of Dr. Ana Oprescu. We discussed the ups and downs of the current (legally traditional) ways of supporting climate action through pro bono. Then, in smaller groups, we will work on developing a solid course for one of these specific cases for more sustainable, innovative and effective ways to contribute to a greener earth.

All groups filled out a worksheet with advice and tips, and afterwards there were more than ten legal professionals from international firms and companies who left their details to be able to work with Margaretha and/or Ana. The help they offered ranges from pro bono advice to the free use of advanced data management platforms.

Looking back on Legal Geek x Amsterdam Law Hub

Earlier in September this year, Legal Geek partnered up with the Amsterdam Law Hub to organise a similar workshop at De Hallen. In addition to the conference, this was also one of the first times we organised a side event at our own location. We organised a pitching contest as part of our Incubatorprogramme, where three teams of students presented their pitch on their innovative startup idea. The winner of the contest received tickets for the next Legal Geek event in London.

We are already looking forward to the next Legal Geek, definitely a highlight in our academic year!