Attorney General, Lord (Richard) Hermer KC comes to The Conduit for a wide-ranging conversation with co-founder Paul van Zyl on his extensive career in law, social justice, and human rights. The conversation will reflect on how to defend and protect the rule of law both from outside government and within. The conversation will focus on the challenges of serving as the chief legal adviser to the Crown at a time where extremism is on the rise and democracies across the globe appear to be in decline.

Event Schedule

6:00pm: Pre-event socialising and networking

A cash bar will be available for refreshments.

6:15pm: Event begins

7:30pm: Event ends

Speakers:

Lord (Richard) Hermer KC, a distinguished barrister and human rights advocate, was appointed Attorney General on 5 July 2024. A member of the House of Lords, he is renowned for his expertise in international law and social justice. Called to the Bar in 1993 and appointed King’s Counsel in 2009, he has served as Head of Chambers at Matrix and as a Deputy High Court Judge.

As Attorney General, Lord Hermer KC is committed to protecting and promoting the rule of law domestically and internationally. The rule of law is one of the Government’s guiding principles and the Attorney General works with partners at home and abroad to ensure our rights are protected. He also has overall responsibility for the work of the Government Legal Department, the Crown Prosecution Service, the Serious Fraud Office, and the Inspectorate of the CPS.

Lord Hermer has represented clients in high-profile cases before domestic courts and international tribunals, including the European Court of Human Rights. He has a longstanding commitment to defending civil liberties, addressing systemic inequality, and promoting the rule of law. His work encompasses critical issues such as accountability in conflict zones, corporate responsibility, and environmental justice, making him a leading voice on matters of justice and human rights.

Paul van Zyl is the co-Founder of The Conduit and Chief Executive Officer. Paul is a winner of the prestigious Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship and was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. He served as the Executive Secretary of South Africa’s post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission and co-founded the International Centre for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), an international human rights organisation based in New York City.