An Uncommon Lawyer by The Rt Hon Lord Woolf

A UCL Laws hosted panel event to celebrate the publication of Lord Woolf's autobiography, 'An Uncommon Lawyer' which took place on Monday 21 November 2022.

About this Book Launch:

In his autobiography Lord Woolf describes his upbringing and background as a member of the Jewish faith. He recounts his remarkable career and provides a personal and honest perspective on the most important developments in the common law over the last half century.

Opening with his life as a barrister and his role as the Treasury Devil, his recollections move to his judicial career and the many roles taken therein. The numerous standout moments examined include his work on access to the judiciary, prison reform, and suggested reforms to the European Court of Human Rights. Fascinating insights into the defining cases of his career, A-G v Jonathan Cape Ltd, Gouriet v Union of Post Office Workers, Tameside, Hazel v Hammersmith, M v Home Office, remind the reader of how impactful his influence has been. He considers the setting of the mandatory component of the life sentences of Thompson and Venables and the Diane Blood case. Alongside the case law, and the Woolf Reforms, the Constitutional Law Reform Act 2005 is also explored.

In addition, Lord Woolf describes his activities after he retired from the bench in the UK – how he established common law courts in Qatar and Kazakhstan, his work with the Woolf Institute (which is named after him) and his reports on the Strangeways Prison riots, BAE Systems, LSE and the International Cricket Council as well as his work with various charities he has supported.

Considering the ebb and flow of changes over his remarkable judicial life, Lord Woolf identifies those he welcomes, but also expresses regret on what has been lost. A book to remind lawyers, be they students, practitioners or scholars, of the power and importance of law.

The launch was an in-conversation panel event with Frances Gibb (former legal editor of The Times) and Sir Jeffrey Jowell KCMG QC (Blackstone Chambers). UCL President and Provost, Dr Michael Spence AC, and Professor Eloise Scotford, UCL Dean of Laws, opened up the evening proceedings.