Memorial event for Mark George

2 May 2023

Mark George KC Portrait

The life and outstanding achievements of Mark George KC were celebrated at a memorial event jointly hosted by The University of Manchester and Garden Court North Chambers on Thursday 20 April 2023.

The event heard moving and heartfelt tributes reflecting the incredible contributions Mark made to the legal, campaigning and education communities during his formidable career.

Our sincere thanks go to The University of Manchester for their support, in particular Professor Claire McGourlay and Dr Philip Drake, and to our speakers: Margot Ravenscroft and Sophie Garner of Amicus, Elkan Abrahamson of Broudie Jackson Canter, Charlotte Hennessy and Steve Kelly of Hillsborough Bereaved Families, Chris Peace and Kate Flannery of Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign, Henry Blaxland KC of Garden Court Chambers, John Davies and His Honour Judge Potter.

Tributes were also heard from Mark’s colleagues at Garden Court North: Kerry Smith – Head of Chambers, Christian Weaver, Mira Hammad and Pete Weatherby KC.

‘When I started my own career almost 40 years ago we were sometimes ridiculed and called “the radical Bar”. I didn’t think we were radical at all. All we were doing was helping ordinary people to take advantage of the availability of legal aid to enforce their legal rights. The only “radical” thing about it was the notion that you didn’t have to be well heeled in order to be able to enforce your rights’

– Mark George KC

Following the announcement of Mark’s passing, many tributes were paid to Mark from the legal community, primarily on Twitter – where Mark was very vocal about the issues and causes he cared deeply about. A collection of those tributes can be seen in the slideshow below.

Below is a recording of Mark’s memorial event courtesy of The University of Manchester.

Chambers news

Chambers news

Professor Javaid Rehman and Pete Weatherby KC: A Conversation on Human Rights in Iran

Professor Javaid Rehman (pictured) served as United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran from 2018 to...

Chambers news

Celebrating Legal Aid – Garden Court North members speak at Young Legal Aid Lawyers’ 20th anniversary party

Garden Court North’s Anna Morris KC (pictured) speaking at LPAG’s Young Legal Aid Lawyers’ 20th anniversary party on 23 May 2025. Credit: Frederique Bellec.  ...

Chambers news

Serious failings by corporate parent and other agencies contributed to Nonita Grabovskyte’s death, inquest finds

Garden Court North’s Ciara Bartlam represented INQUEST and Article 39 pro bono in Nonita’s inquest at North London Coroner’s Court (pictured). Credit: Richard Kelly /...

Chambers news

Garden Court North stands in solidarity with victims and families of Manchester Arena bombing on eighth anniversary

Tributes are laid for the 22 victims of the Manchester Arena bombing at Manchester Victoria Station, following a minute’s silence on 22 May 2025. Credit:...

Sign up to our mailing list

Our mailing list is dedicated to professionals with an interest in our work.

Sign up