Suffolk students hear from judge who thwarted Brexit plans

She was sitting in the Supreme Court when Boris Johnson's decision to prorogue parliament to prevent discussion of the government's Brexit plans was challenged in the autumn of 2019.

She ruled that the prorogation was unlawful, parliament had to be recalled - and she was vilified by several national newspapers.

That was one of the cases she mentioned to her audience - and she said she was delighted to have meet the students and lawyers.

The lecture was arranged by the University of Suffolk in association with the Suffolk and North Essex Law Society.

Lady Hale with students and staff from the University of Suffolk. (Image: Gregg Brown/UoS)

Lady Hale said: “It was absolutely terrific. All these wonderfully enthusiastic young people.

"But not only enthusiastic young people, all the people locally who are here to support those young people in what they’re doing and what they’re going to do.”

Eleanor Scarlett, Director of the University of Suffolk Legal Advice Centre and Senior Lecturer in Law said: “Our inaugural Law Lecture was a huge success, and we were delighted to welcome Lady Hale to share her experiences from her incredible career.

"Our students, who will soon be embarking on their own legal careers, were inspired hearing about the significant contribution that Lady Hale has made.”

Lady Hale started her career specialising in Family and Social Welfare law and is well known for her impact on how the law deals with domestic violence.

She became the first female law commissioner in 1984 and the first woman Law Lord in 2004, Lady Hale later became the first woman to serve as President of the Supreme Court.

The University of Suffolk launched its Legal Advice Centre in May 2022 which provides free legal advice to the local community, while at the same time providing law students with an opportunity to gain practical experience in two areas of law — family law and new businesses and start-ups.