The Human Rights, Equality, Rule of Law and Law Reform Committee has three broad areas of interest namely human rights, equality and law reform. The Committee considers a wide range of matters with human rights implications for the profession in all areas of practice.

A representative from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission sits on the Committee and provides a link with the work of the Commission. The Committee also liaises with other stakeholders through meetings and jointly participates in events such as seminars to highlight matters of importance.

It is involved in the promotion of pro bono work which is supported by the Society, the judiciary and other stakeholders.

While noting that solicitors’ firms routinely provide substantial pro bono to the community, the Committee continues to support pro bono projects such as the personal litigant support initiatives.

The Committee continues to engage with the Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission so as to improve the processes for appointment to judicial office, in particular to ensure that the solicitors’ profession is not disadvantaged in the process.

The Committee regularly reviews a wide range of consultations issued by various bodies on law reform and may make submissions on topics of importance to the profession from time to time.