Memorial event for Mark George

2 May 2023

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.