The 12th Graduate Law Student Conference was held at Kent Law School on 28th May 2024. A favourite event in the school’s calendar, it is a great opportunity for postgraduate and undergraduate law students to come together and hear about some of the diverse legal work being undertaken across various stages of legal education at Kent.
Catherine Iragena, a current Law LLM student from Uganda, kindly summarises the day for us:
The theme of the 12th Graduate Law Student Conference was “The Limits of Law in a Transforming World.” The conference aimed to explore how law can address the challenges posed by global events such as the consequences of the pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, human rights violations, AI development, and environmental crises. While law is seen as a potent instrument for accountability and behaviour change, a crucial discussion must be had on its capacity to effectively respond to these complex risks and problems and whether it can deliver fair outcomes. The conference offered a thought-provoking journey into the realms of law and its limitations in our rapidly transforming world. It was held as an hybrid event that blended in-person presentations with in-person and virtual participation.
Starting at 11am, the conference began with opening remarks from Professor Rosemary Hunter KC (Hon.) FAcSS, the Head of Kent Law School. Throughout the day, the conference considered the pressing issues of our time as 13 speakers, divided into four dynamic panels, tackled topics ranging from international trade law governance to the challenges of health and reproduction, the complexities of labour laws for migrant workers, and the evolving landscape of international law.
Chaired by Kent Law School academics Dr Jose Bellido, Dr Eric Loefflad, Dr Ohiocheoya Omiunu and Dr Julie McCandless, each panel provided insightful discussions and debates. The conference concluded with a fascinating key note address from Kent Law School alum, Dr Silvana Tapia Tapia, and a lively drinks reception bringing together students and faculty, where the best presenters were honoured with prizes.
The organising committee, supported by Kent Law School academic Dr Josipa Šarić, consisted of seven postgraduate members from Kent Law School. Catherine Iragena served as the Chairperson and Victoria Shutrova took on the role of Secretary. Sai Srihitha Vuppalapatti and Yesim Koseoglu led the Program Subcommittee, responsible for putting together the lively programme. Rucha Chetan, Sneha Suresh, and Kelly Setliff formed the Marketing Subcommittee, responsible for promoting the conference and ensuring the smooth running of the conference on the day.