Legal Research Master's Conference Committee; Empathy On Trial

Similar to Hogwarts, the Legal Research Master's is divided into four committees/houses, each bearing the name of its main task: Lecture Committee, Study Trip Committee, the Advisory Committee, and of course the Conference Committee. By the beginning of each LRM year, every student, upon their choice and motivation, gets to be allocated in one of these four committees. Fortunately, I was allocated in the LRM Conference committee =>, and I am glad to share my experiences as well as the topic of this year. 

Generally speaking, in each committee students collaborate and organize activities. We do tasks where we have to work closely together, and arrange regular meetings. That works well as we already know each other quite well and if, for example, any of us has a nice idea, they can always put it forward for discussion. For me, this kind of activity gives an extra dimension to our study as each day offers a new challenge, demanding us to think of new ideas, solve different types of issues and work together. Also, it makes me feel that education itself is more enjoyable and more interesting. 

Essentially, my committee the Conference Committee organizes a legal conference every year. As organizers we get to enjoy the perks that come with it, such as choosing the overall theme of the conference, inviting renowned speakers (and have dinner with them!) and, of course, boosting our CVs. Other responsibilities range from organizing lunches and dinners, arranging transportation and accommodation for the international speakers, to promoting the event across Europe. 

This year our conference is titled “Empathy on Trial" and it will take place next month on the 13th of April. The discussion will revolve around how the field of Law and Literature regards the role and relevance of empathy in legal education and practice. For the speakers, we invited a variety of renowned scholars, such as Prof. Dr. Jeanne Gaakeer (Erasmus University), Marco Wan (Hong Kong University) and Emma Jones (Open University). 

You as well are welcome to attend, check the Utrecht University event page; you can find more information about the speakers and the program:
https://www.uu.nl/en/events/legal-research-masters-conference-empathy-on-trial.