University of Sussex - Changing Lives Through Pro Bono

By Elf

In celebration of Pro Bono Week and its theme of “Changing Lives Through Pro Bono,” we are honored to present our second guest blog. This entry is penned by Dr. Joanna Smallwood, a solicitor and esteemed Senior Lecturer at the University of Sussex. Dr. Smallwood provides an insider’s perspective on the transformative work being carried out at the University of Sussex Environmental Justice Law Clinic, highlighting the profound interconnection between legal education, environmental advocacy, and community empowerment.

Guest Contribution

By Dr Joanna Smallwood (Solicitor, Senior Lecturer, University of Sussex)

The University of Sussex Environmental Justice Law Clinic works in partnership with the Environmental Law Foundation to advise on environmental legal issues and to conduct legal research on cutting edge environmental law and policy issues. Students under supervision from the clinic leads Dr Bonnie Holligan and Dr Joanna Smallwood have had the pleasure to advise individuals and groups on a diverse range of issues. These have included: the rights of leaseholders to install solar panels; a potential judicial review relating to the installation of a 5G mast; nuisance issues such as noise from an oil refinery; protection of open spaces and village greens; temporary road closure arrangements and reduced speed limits to save toads from being killed during their migration. The advice provided not only gives the chance for students to learn and apply the law to real life issues but also empowers clients, some whom are advocates on behalf of nature, with legal knowledge and practical options to address the issues being faced.

A key theme emerging from our work is the indivisibility of humans from our natural world and how every aspect of our human lives relates to our environment, yet weak environmental laws in the UK have limitations in the level of protection that can be achieved. Our pioneering research on the rights of nature offers a refreshing change of mindset and students have been inspired to learn about alternative avenues for environmental law offered through rights of nature approaches which have been adopted in countries such as Ecuador, Colombia, New Zealand, India and Canada. The student’s research has informed strategic litigation and been presented to a law firm and general audiences. The lessons learned can be applied closer to home and our students are excited to feed into developments of the river charter for the River Ouse, Lewes which is an important first step to recognising that this river has rights. This area of research not only has the potential to improve human lives but also the lives of non-human species and natural entities such as rivers.

To see more of Jo’s work check out her talk below:

 

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