2025 Guest Highlights - Activist Lawyer Podcast

2025 was a momentous year for the Activist Lawyer Podcast, bringing together leading voices in human rights law. Across the year, guests have explored what it means to use the law and advocacy as a vehicle for systemic change - from the courtrooms to conflict zones.

Among the standout contributors:

Kenneth Roth, former Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, reflected on decades of global human rights advocacy and the urgent defence of democratic institutions in an era of rising authoritarianism. His conversation underscored the enduring power of rigorous documentation paired with fearless advocacy.  He spoke about his new book, Righting Wrongs, which also featured on the Activist Lawyer Book Club.

Kenneth Roth

Eitan Diamond offered insights into international humanitarian law, civic space, and the legal responsibilities arising in conflict settings — bringing a deeply practical perspective on operationalising international law.

Tayab Ali, Director of the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP), discussed discuss the organisation's critical work in response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the Occupied Territories.

Dr Gearóid Ó Cuinn, Director of the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN), explored the organisation's innovative cross-border legal actions. He outlined key initiatives, including climate justice cases and GLAN’s recent legal challenge against the UK government over its ongoing weapons exports to Israel.

Dr S Chelvan, a leading barrister in refugee and LGBTQ+ asylum law, shared pioneering work on credibility assessment in sexual orientation and gender identity claims, and the continuing fight to humanise asylum processes.

Dr S Chelvan

Nusrat Uddin, Partner at Wilsons Solicitors, shared frontline insights into strategic litigation addressing modern slavery and supply chain abuses, highlighting how public law can challenge systemic corporate exploitation.

Lucy Barnes, Co-Founder of Lawyers Who Care, spoke candidly about her journey from care experience into the Bar, and her mission to dismantle barriers within the legal profession through mentoring and community-building.

Jonathan McKeown, co-founder of the podcast, offered a deeply personal reflection on mental health in the legal profession, confronting burnout and calling for cultural change within legal practice.

Anne Marie Featherstone explored the realities of family law and advocacy for survivors of domestic abuse, centring the lived experience of those navigating the justice system.

Brian Dooley brought decades of experience supporting activists in hostile environments, examining the risks and resilience of human rights defenders (including lawyers) worldwide.

Dr Keio Yoshida, author of Pride and Prejudices, discussed the evolution of LGBTQ+ legal rights and the unfinished work of equality before the law.

Keio Yoshida

Courtney Teasley, founder of emeffen™, highlighted proactive legal empowerment strategies aimed at preventing criminalisation before it occurs.  Courtney encouraged practitioners to be bold when it comes to marketing their services and highlighting their legal skills!

Roman Shortall examined the intersection of investigative journalism and strategic litigation, particularly in the context of arms transit focusing on the Irish government’s obligations under international and domestic law.

Aine Rice, solicitor with KRW Law’s Legacy Litigation team, discussed redress for survivors of Mother and Baby Homes, centring survivor voices in accountability processes.

Diarmuid Brecknell, solicitor with Phoenix Law, Belfast reflected on historic inquests and legacy litigation, emphasising persistence in long-running accountability campaigns.

Looking ahead to 2026, we’re excited to bring you even more engaging conversations with experienced and inspiring activist lawyers from across the globe.

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About Sarah Henry

Sarah is a solicitor based in Newry, County Down, Northern Ireland, and the host of the Activist Lawyer Podcast. She is passionate about spotlighting the work of lawyers and legal workers who are using the law as a tool for social change, justice and equality. Alongside her legal practice, she is engaged in campaigns tackling violence against women and girls and has worked as an immigration and human rights lawyer across both Ireland and the UK.