Renowned QC presented with UWL honorary degree
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One of the world’s most renowned defence barristers has received an honorary degree from the University of West London after decades of work fighting for social justice and inspiring the next generation of legal experts.
Courtenay Griffiths QC - widely regarded as one of the most outstanding jury advocates of his generation - has been involved in some of the most high-profile and notable cases of the past two decades.
With an emphasis on terrorism and murder cases, his career has seen him defend in cases from the hi-profile trials of PC Blakelock and Damilola Taylor, The Brighton Bombing, and the Risley Riot.
As a sought-after specialist, he has also provided representation in trials of genocide and crimes against humanity – notably in the landmark case against former president of Liberia, Charles Taylor.
As well as providing advice and representation in foreign jurisdictions, he has been involved in domestic fraud work for many years representing both individual and corporate clients.
He has committed much of his forty years in practice to civil liberties work, gaining unique experience in the application of the European Convention of Human Rights.
Courtenay has served as a Recorder of the Crown Court as well as Head of Chambers at Garden Court Chambers. He was appointed Chairman of Urban Synergy - a London mentor charity, and lectures extensively on criminal law.
As he was made an Honorary Doctor in Law during a ceremony at Twickenham Stadium, Philip Ells, Head of UWL’s School of Law said:
Courtenay Griffiths is a shining example of how knowledge, understanding, and application of the law can have such a major impact in so many areas.
He has represented an extraordinary array of clients and works to provide mentoring to empower young people as he helps them reach their full potential.
His abilities and achievements are an inspiration to all of our students as they progress their careers in the legal profession, and we look forward to working with him so that our students may benefit from his technical expertise, experience and education.”
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