Helena Kennedy, Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws, is a powerful and thought-provoking motivational speaker whose talks inspire audiences with a compelling blend of intellect, conviction and lived experience. A distinguished Scottish barrister, broadcaster, and Labour member of the House of Lords, she is recognised globally for her tireless advocacy for human rights and social justice. One of her most notable achievements is serving as Chair of the High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom, a role she assumed in 2024, following Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury.
Helena’s journey into law began in Glasgow, where she was born into a working-class Catholic family deeply engaged in Labour politics. Her early leadership skills were evident at Holyrood Secondary School, where she was Head Girl. She went on to study law at the Council of Legal Education in London, and in 1972, was called to the Bar at Gray’s Inn. These formative years shaped her enduring commitment to justice and equality, values that remain central to her work today.
Her professional accomplishments are vast and varied. Appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1991, Helena has represented clients in landmark trials including the Guildford Four appeal and Operation Crevice. She was Principal of Mansfield College, Oxford (2011–2018), and is currently President of JUSTICE, the UK’s leading law reform organisation. She is also Director of the International Bar Association’s Institute of Human Rights and the Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University. Helena has authored several influential books, including Eve Was Framed and Misjustice, and her contributions to legal reform and education have earned her 42 honorary degrees, as well as recognition such as the BBC 100 Women accolade in 2021 and appointment as a Lady of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle in 2024.
Helena’s speaking engagements are marked by her eloquence, warmth, and unwavering integrity. She speaks on topics such as human rights, law, social justice, female empowerment, civil liberties, and media freedom, all of which remain profoundly relevant today. Her deep knowledge, wide-ranging experience and natural ability to engage audiences make her a sought-after speaker for conferences, institutions, and organisations worldwide. Those looking to inspire action, challenge outdated systems, and promote inclusive progress will find in Helena a truly transformative voice.
