On Thursday, 25 November 2021, we celebrated our 15th anniversary at Two Temple Place at the ‘Future thinking and why books remain irresistible’ event hosted by Brown Rudnick. We were extremely honoured that ILBF’s founder and patron the Rt Hon. the Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, the Rt Hon. the Lord Burnett of Maldon and Professor Richard Susskind OBE joined us on the night and shared their thoughts on the role of technology in improving access to justice, the way the legal sector will be transformed by artificial intelligence, the continued significance of books, their visions for a more inclusive and just future, the importance of greater diversity among those entering the legal profession and the judiciary reflecting the society it serves, as well as the ILBF’s role in access to justice and supporting the rule of law.
In the world of law, when people talk about technology, there is a sense that you have to be either for or against. The future is the blending of the two.
Professor Richard Susskind OBE, ‘Future thinking and why books remain irresistible’ event
Our first student essay competition was officially launched by the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Burnett, during the evening, for which we are very grateful. More information on the competition, the rules and how to send us your submissions is available on our dedicated competition page, which you can find here.
Providing legal texts to lawyers, universities as well as judges is extremely valuable even if the brave new world is with us by 2030.
Lord Burnett, ‘Future thinking and why books remain irresistible’ event
A secret book auction also took place during the celebrations, where attendees had the opportunity to win a book which the speakers, alongside ILBF supporters such as the Hon. Lord Justice Dingemans, Dame Linda Dobbs, the Hon. Mr Justice Picken, Deborah Meaden and John Cleese, nominated as ‘irresistible’. The draw of the auction will take place on 8 December 2021. If you wish to take part and place a bid, you can do so on our CAF page here.
Support from students epitomises the forward looking efforts of the charity which is to make sure everyone understands the value of books.
Lord Thomas, ‘Future thinking and why books remain irresistible’ event
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the celebrations either in person or virtually, and a huge thanks to Brown Rudnick for their generosity in hosting the event!
It is important the judiciary as best as it can reflects the society that it serves.
Lord Burnett, ‘Future thinking and why books remain irresistible’ event
We would also like to thank the New Law Journal (NLJ) for publishing an article about our anniversary and the essay competition. The article is available here and in the NLJ’s latest print issue.
If you missed the event, the recording will be available soon.
