CULSCAST: The CULS Podcast
CULS, Faculty of Law, University of Cambridge 48 episodes Nov 9, 2026
CULSCAST is the official podcast of the Cambridge University Law Society (CULS), one of the oldest student-run law societies in the world. It features two series: 'CULSCAST Conversations', an interview-style forum hosted by the CULS Publicity Team, and 'CULS Speakers Select', which makes talks by eminent legal figures accessible to members. Past speakers include Supreme Court justices and former presidents of the International Court of Justice. The podcast aims to bring the Cambridge law community closer together through discussions on law and legal careers.
Episodes
To Master the Law | CULSCAST Conversations Episode 9
In today’s episode, we are joined by Samuel Soh, Qinglan Du, and Joyce Mau to discuss their experiences pursuing postgraduate law degrees.Samuel completed the BCL at Oxford, Joyce pursued an LLM at Harvard, and Qinglan completed an LLM at Cambridge.We discuss how to choose the right master’s programme, funding opportunities, the academic experience, key lessons learned, what sets each programme ap
Meet the Committee | CULSCAST Conversations Episode 8
In this episode, Janice speaks to various members of the Law Society to give you an insight into the committee and the many roles that help keep the society running. From the Non-Law Per Incuriam Master of Moots to the Welfare Officer, Competitions, Foreign Affairs, Careers and Social Officers, there is so much to discover about what goes on behind the scenes, and much more.A huge thank you to eve
Dear Freshers... A Word of Advice...| CULSCAST Conversations Episode 7
In this episode, Janice chats to Jack, Nicholas and Mira about the realities of being a fresher and making the most of your first year at university.Jack and Nicholas are third-year Law students, while Mira is a third-year History student, bringing together different perspectives and plenty of hard-earned wisdom.The conversation covers three key areas:Academic life: settling into lectures, seminar
The Third Year Episode and Part II Papers | CULSCAST Conversations Episode 6
In this episode, we explore the third year of the Cambridge Law Tripos.We discuss the full papers in Competition Law, Conflict of Laws, Intellectual Property Law, Labour Law, Company Law, and Commercial Law, as well as a range of half papers, including Animal Rights Law, Landlord and Tenant Law, and Succession. Along the way, we share general advice on choosing papers, balancing workloads, and mak
The Second Year Episode and Part IB Papers | CULSCAST Conversations Episode 5
In this episode, we take a closer look at the Part IB year of the Cambridge Law Tripos.We explore the compulsory papers, Contract Law and Land Law, as well as the optional papers of Administrative Law, Human Rights, and International Law. We also discuss the Year Abroad, examining the opportunities it offers for academic development, cultural immersion, and broadening legal perspectives.The episod
To Diss or Not To Diss | CULSCAST Conversations | Episode 4
In this episode, we explore the challenges, expectations, and strategies involved in writing a third-year law dissertation. From choosing a research topic and developing a strong argument to managing sources, this episode looks into what it takes to do a dissertation and whether that might be right for you! A special thank you to Jaysol Doy, Brandon Lim, for their valuable contributions, insights,
Lord Richards of Camberwell, Justice of the Supreme Court: Speakers Select Ep.2
CULS were honoured to host Justice of the Supreme Court, Lord Richards at Cambridge Thursday 5th February.Lord David Richards is a Justice of the UK Supreme Court and a Cambridge law alumnus. He was called to the Bar in 1974, took Silk in 1992, and practised primarily in company law and corporate insolvency. He served as a High Court Judge (Chancery Division), chaired the Competition Appeal Tribun
Nabil Khabirpour on Law and Academia, Access to Justice, European Identity and Religion in Society | Beyond Doctrine Ep. 4
In this episode, Janice Samuel sits down with Nabil Khabirpour - Fellow and Director of Studies in Law at Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge, and the founder of The Law Corner, a pro bono and public-interest legal advice organisation dedicated to widening access to justice.We explore how his early experiences shaped his vision of law as a force for social good, the story behind The La
100 Years of the LPA 1925 | Beyond Doctrine Ep. 3
In this special anniversary episode of CULSCAST: Beyond Doctrine, we explore how a century-old statute continues to shape the legal landscape of property in profound and surprising ways.An all‑stars of land law, joined by Lorna Fox‑O’Mahony, Lorren Eldridge, Martin Dixon, and David Sawtell, this episode explores 100 years of the Law of Property Act and its enduring impact.Since its passage in 1925
Copyright as Personal Property with Poorna Mysoor | Beyond Doctrine Ep. 2
In Beyond Doctrine, Janice speaks to interesting lawyers doing interesting things. Each episode steps outside black-letter law to uncover the ideas, careers, and curiosities shaping the legal world today. From emerging scholarship to unexpected professional paths, Beyond Doctrine explores how law lives, evolves, and influences the world far beyond the page.In this episode, Janice speaks to Dr Poor
Rights, Remedies & Reform with Alistair Mills | Beyond Doctrine Ep. 1
In the new series, Beyond Doctrine, Janice speaks to interesting lawyers doing interesting things. Each episode steps outside black-letter law to uncover the ideas, careers, and curiosities shaping the legal world today. From emerging scholarship to unexpected professional paths, Beyond Doctrine explores how law lives, evolves, and influences the world far beyond the page. In this episode, Janice
Meet the Committee: CULSCAST Conversations Ep. 4
🎙️ Welcome to CULSCAST, the podcast from the Cambridge University Law Society — one of the world’s oldest and largest student-run societies, founded in 1901.This is the first episode of our new season of CULSCAST Conversations, where we bring the Cambridge law community closer together through insightful and engaging discussions.In this episode, we’re introducing the 2024–2025 CULS Committee! Join
Lady Rose, Justice of the Supreme Court: Speakers Select Ep. 1
Lady Rose visited Cambridge on 3rd February 2025 at Newnham College, as a guest on the Cambridge University Law Society (CULS) Speaker programme. She spoke to CULS about her career, the landmark decisions she has contributed to since her appointment to the Supreme Court in 2021, and the functioning and evolving role of the Supreme Court.Lady Rose was called to the Bar by Gray's Inn in 1984. She pr
Easter Exam Tips with Top-scoring Cambridge Law Students: CULSCAST Conversations Ep. 3
Welcome to CULSCAST 🎙️, the new Podcast from the Cambridge University Law Society, one of the world’s oldest and largest student-run societies, founded in 1901. This is Episode 3 of our ‘CULSCAST Conversations’ series, which aims to bring the Cambridge law community closer together through conversation. This episode covers studying, revision, and exam tips from top-performing Cambridge law student
The Christmas Vacation (Schemes) Episode: CULSCAST Conversations Ep. 2
Welcome to CULSCAST 🎙️ the new Podcast from the Cambridge University Law Society, one of the world’s oldest and largest student-run societies, founded in 1901.Our Publicity team 📢 is very pleased to be debuting this new initiative, our ‘CULSCAST Conversations’ series, which aims to bring the Cambridge law community closer together through conversation. In addition to posting new content throu
Conversation with CULS: CULSCAST Conversations Ep. 1
Welcome to CULSCAST 🎙️ the new Podcast from the Cambridge University Law Society, one of the world’s oldest and largest student-run societies, founded in 1901.Our Publicity team 📢 is very pleased to be debuting this new initiative, our ‘CULSCAST Conversations’ series, which aims to bring the Cambridge law community closer together through conversation. In addition to posting new content throu
Parliamentary Sovereignty and Where We Are Now after the Supreme Court Rwanda Judgment: CULS Panel discussion
Dr Tom Hickman KC, who represented Gina Miller in both Miller cases and the Lord Advocate in the recent Scottish Independence Referendum reference, was joined by Dr Stefan Theil (professor in Public Law) to delve deeply into the current constitutional status of Parliamentary Sovereignty.- Dr Tom Hickman KC: Overruling the Supreme Court’s Rwanda Judgment – what role now for Parliament?- Dr Stefan T
Miller (No 2), the Case of the Decade? - Lord Pannick QC: CULS Lecture
Lord Pannick QC spoke about "Miller (No 2), the Case of the Decade?" on Tuesday 3 March 2020 at the Faculty of Law, as a guest on the regular Cambridge University Law Society (CULS) speaker programme.This event was designed to enrich the constitutional law tripos module but was open to all year groups interested in gaining a deeper insight into what is arguably the most consequential and significa
Mental Health and the Law - Richard Martin: CULS Lecture
Richard Martin spoke about "Mental Health and the Law" on Monday 2 March 2020 at the Faculty of Law, as a guest on the regular Cambridge University Law Society (CULS) speaker programme.As many Law students apply and compete for vacation schemes and training contracts, concerns surrounding work-life balance and mental wellbeing in the City are ever pertinent.Richard Martin studied law at St Cathari
In defence of Foakes v Beer: CULS Debate
On 21 January 2020, CULS hosted a debate on the proposition "In defence of Foakes v Beer", which featured Dr Janet O'Sullivan and Mr William Day, chaired by Dr Jonathan Morgan.This is the central question posed by the seminal contract case of Foakes v Beer, and a question which generations of law tripos students have had to grapple with.This event was designed to enrich the contract law tripos mod
American Politics and US Constitutional Law - Helle Porsdam: CULS Lecture
CULS is excited to present a guest lecture by Professor Helle Porsdam on American history and culture through the lens of constitutional law, taking as her point of departure the current political situation in the USA. Helle is is Professor of Law and Humanities at the Center for Studies in Legal Culture in the Copenhagen Faculty of Law, where she teaches American Culture and holds a UNESCO Chair
The Constitutional Foundations of Judicial Review: CULS Panel event
This debate on 1 February 2019 focused on an age-old question between some of the biggest voices in constitutional law. Experience a debate between eminent professors, and hear them justify their preferred theories. This debate ties in with constitutional law teaching. Panellists: - Professor Paul Craig (St. John's College, Oxford), - Professor Christopher Forsyth (Robinson College, Cambridge) Mod
Land Law: Q&A with the Law Commissioner: CULS Panel event
On 26 November 2018, the Cambridge University Law Society (CULS) presented a panel Q&A on the Law Commission's 2018 Report "Updating the Land Registration Act 2002". The panel featured Professor Nicholas Hopkins (Law Commissioner for Property Law), Judge Elizabeth Cooke (Principal Judge of the Land Registration Tribunal), Amy Goymour and Professor Martin Dixon (to be confirmed). They explored
The Hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper - Ray Tough: CULS Lecture
Ray Tough spoke about "The Hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper" on Monday 20 November 2018 at the Faculty of Law, as a guest on the regular Cambridge University Law Society (CULS) speaker programme. Ray is a crime historian and was a Detective Constable with the West Yorkshire Police during the Yorkshire Ripper investigation. Hear his perspectives on the investigation, which led to seminal cases like Hi
The Future of Legal Services - Christina Blacklaws: CULS Lecture
Christina Blacklaws, President of the Law Society of England and Wales spoke about "The Future of Legal Services" on Wednesday 24 October 2018 at the Faculty of Law, as a guest on the regular CULS speaker programme. Christina Blacklaws has made the transformation of the legal industry a key focus of her Presidency. She chairs the Law Society’s Legal Technology Policy Commission and has also been a
Litigating International Law - Sir Christopher Greenwood: CULS Lecture
Sir Christopher Greenwood GBC CMG QC spoke about "Litigating International Law" on Tuesday 23 October 2018 at the Faculty of Law, as a guest on the regular CULS speaker programme. Sir Christopher was a judge at the International Court of Justice from 2008 to 2018. He spent nearly twenty years as a Fellow of Magdalene College, Cambridge, and lecturer in the Cambridge Law Faculty, and subsequently a
Same-sex marriage in Latin America: CULS with CUSU LGBT+
CULS and CUSU LGBT+ are delighted to have welcomed Herman Duarte, Founding Partner at the first and only law firm in Latin America that has the express purpose of eradicating LGBT+ discrimination to the Faculty of Law on 29 January 2018. Herman also founded the Latin American Foundation for the promotion and protection of LGBT rights: Fundación Igualitos. He was named one of OUTstanding's Top 50
Algorithms & Profiling in Counter-Terrorism: Andrew Murray
Professor Andrew Murray is a Professor of Law at London School of Economics, with a particular interest in New Media and Technology Law. On 14 November 2017, Professor Murray gave a lecture at the Faculty as a guest of CULS and CLR.The event was kindly sponsored by Clifford Chance.
Brexit Panel with Professor Barnard & Dr Julie Smith
Catherine Barnard, Professor of European Union law, and Dr Julie Smith, Director of the European Centre, gave a talk on Brexit issues.Both our speakers are incredibly knowledgeable on Europe and Brexit. Major themes of the talk include the constitutionality of the EU (Withdrawal) Bill; trade, immigration, and the Northern Irish border questions; the proposed legal frameworks for UK-EU relations an
Gender, Culture & Abortion in Northern Ireland: Dr Stephanie Palmer
Dr Stephanie Palmer, lecturer in Civil Liberties and Human Rights, European Human Rights Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law, and Medical Law and Life Sciences, gave a talk on "Gender, culture, and abortion law in Northern Ireland" to Cambridge University Law Society on 31 October 2017.
Human Rights Post Brexit - Ms Danielle Cohen: CULS Lecture
Danielle Cohen spoke about "Human Rights Post Brexit" on Wednesday 18 October 2017 at the Faculty of Law, as a guest on the regular CULS speaker programme.Danielle Cohen is a human rights lawyer offering specialist advice on all aspects of UK immigration law, advising on the Points Based Tier System, Immigration visa applications, family-based applications and all applications made under the EU re
Information Law and Practice in the Digital Revolution - Ashley Hurst: CULS Lecture
In an environment where we now receive much of our news and media content via mobile and social media platforms, information lawyers and regulators are having to work hard to keep up. Libel trials and privacy superinjunctions are giving way to data privacy and fake news as the big legal issues of the day and English law increasingly needs to be considered alongside international law to be of pract
It is a myth that Tort is anything to do with individual responsibility: CULS Debate
On 14 March 2017, CULS hosted a debate on the proposition "It is a myth that Tort is anything to do with individual responsibility", which featured Dr Janet O'Sullivan (Cambridge University), Professor Donal Nolan (Oxford University), Professor Robert Stevens (Oxford University) and Professor Steve Hedley (York University).This debate is highly relevant for anyone studying Tort law as this is a to
International Law perspective on the Kashmir Issue - Aman Hingorani: CULS Lecture
Dr Hingorani, Lawyer at Supreme Court of India spoke about "International Law perspective on the Kashmir Issue" on 3 March 2017 at the Faculty of Law, as a guest on the regular CULS speaker programme.This event was kindly Sponsored by Clifford Chance.For more information see the CULS Facebook page at:https://www.facebook.com/camlawsoc/
HRA Repeal? - Professors Masterman and Gearty: CULS Lecture
Professor Connor Gearty and Professor Roger Masterman spoke about reform of the Human Rights Act 1998 on Friday 26 February 2016 at the Mill Lane Lecture Rooms, as guests on the regular CULS speaker programme.Professor Gearty is a former Cambridge PhD student currently at the London School of Economics, where he holds the positions Professor of Human Rights Law and Director of the Institute of Pub
What underpins judicial review? - CULS Fellows' Debate
CULS is delighted to present Professor Paul Craig and Professor Christopher Forsyth. On the 4 February 2016 in the Faculty of Law at the University of Cambridge, they explored what principles underpin judicial review in the UK in a dialogue.Professor Paul Craig is Professor of English Law at Oxford and a Vinerian scholar. Professor Christopher Forsyth is Professor of Public Law and Private Interna
Duties of an Expert Witness – before and after the Ikarian Reefer - Lord Clarke: CULS Lecture
Lord Clarke of the UK Supreme Court spoke about "Duties of an Expert Witness – before and after the Ikarian Reefer" on Thursday 28 January 2016 at the Faculty of Law, as a guest on the regular CULS speaker programme.Lord Clarke read economics and law at King's College, Cambridge, before being called, in 1965, to the Bar at Middle Temple where he spent 27 years. He became a QC in 1979, and was a Re
This House Believes Strict Liability Has No Place in Criminal Law - CULS Fellows' Debate
On Thursday 12 November 2015, Cambridge University Law Society (CULS) hosted a debate on the proposition: 'This House Believes Strict Liability Has No Place in Criminal Law'.Proposition: Professor Andrew Ashworth (Oxford) & Dr John Stanton-Ife (KCL)Opposition: Professor Andrew Simester (Cambridge) & Dr Findlay Stark (Cambridge)Chair: James RiseleyThis event was kindly sponsored by Clifford
Judge James Crawford: CULS Discussion
A discussion held with Judge James Crawford on 9 October 2015.CULS was delighted to partner with Clifford Chance for the first speaker event of Michaelmas term. On the 9th of October, His Excellency Judge James Crawford spoke to the society. The format of the event was an interview followed by a Q & A. James Crawford was elected a judge of the International Court of Justice for a full term of
Is shareholder value the altar on which Boards should sacrifice wider concerns about directors' duties - Mark Rawlinson: CULS Lecture
Mark Rawlinson, Partner at Freshfields,delivered a talk entitled "Is shareholder value the altar on which Boards should sacrifice wider concerns about directors' duties" on Monday 1 December 2014 at the Faculty of Law, as a guest on the regular CULS speaker programme, This event was kindly Sponsored by Simmons & Simmons. For more information see the CULS website at: https://culs.org.uk
Justice and Public Will - Lord Justice Laws: CULS Lecture
Lord Justice Laws, Lord Justice of Appeal, gave a talk entitled "Justice and Public Will" on Friday 21 February 2014 at the Faculty of Law, as a guest on the regular CULS speaker programme, This event was kindly Sponsored by Simmons & Simmons. For more information see the CULS website at: https://culs.org.uk
This House believes that there is no need for Joint Enterprise liability in English law - CULS Fellows' Debate
On Tuesday 18 February, Cambridge University Law Society (CULS) hosted a debate between Professor Graham Virgo, Dr Findlay Stark, Professor Andrew Simester and Dr Matthew Dyson, entitled "This House believes that there is no need for Joint Enterprise liability in English law".This event was kindly Sponsored by Simmons & Simmons. For more information see the CULS website at: https://culs.org.uk
The Role of Law Officers: Law at the heart of the Government - Oliver Heald: CULS Lecture
Oliver Heald MP, spoke about the government's views are on judicial review reform, and its policy on human rights, in a talk entitled "The Role of Law Officers: Law at the heart of the Government" on Thursday 13 February 2014 at the Faculty of Law, as a guest on the regular CULS speaker programme, This event was kindly Sponsored by Simmons & Simmons. For more information see the CULS website a
Independent Law Reform: Is it a Myth? - Elizabeth Cooke: CULS Lecture
Professor Elizabeth Cooke, Law Commissioner and University of Reading, spoke about the development of police accountability in the UK in the past five decades, in a talk entitled "Independent Law Reform: Is it a Myth?" on Tuesday 4 February 2014 at the Faculty of Law, as a guest on the regular CULS speaker programme, This event was kindly Sponsored by Simmons & Simmons. For more information se
Policing the Police: Power, Scrutiny & Accountability? - Raju Bhatt: CULS Lecture
Raju Bhatt spoke about the development of police accountability in the UK in the past five decades, in a talk entitled "Policing the Police: Power, Scrutiny & Accountability?" on Wednesday 20 November 2013 at the Faculty of Law, as a guest on the regular CULS speaker programme, Founding partner of the leading human rights solicitors firm Bhatt Murphy, and winner of the 'Legal Aid Lawyer of the
The Altered or Disordered Mind; When is the Mens Rea? - Lord Hughes: CULS Lecture
Lord Hughes spoke about "The Altered or Disordered Mind; When is the Mens Rea?" on Thursday 7 November 2013 at the Faculty of Law, as a guest on the regular CULS speaker programme, This event was kindly Sponsored by Simmons & Simmons. For more information see the CULS website at: https://culs.org.uk
The Defamation Act 2013: How Did We Get Here and What Does it Achieve? - James Price QC: CULS Lecture
James Price QC spoke about "The Defamation Act 2013: How Did We Get Here and What Does it Achieve?" on Friday 1 November 2013 at the Faculty of Law, as a guest on the regular CULS speaker programme, This event was kindly Sponsored by Simmons & Simmons. For more information see the CULS website at: https://culs.org.uk
They Think it's All Over; It is Now - Lucy Stone QC: CULS Lecture
Lucy Stone QC spoke about "They Think it's All Over; It is Now" on Wednesday 16th October 2013 at the Faculty of Law, as a guest on the regular CULS speaker programme, Also known as 'Lucy No-Stone-Left-Unturned', Lucy Stone QC of Queen Elizabeth Buildings is one of the most established family law barristers in England. Speaking about the finance for children of unmarried parents, Lucy will explore
The Last Human Right, or its Antithesis? Assisted Suicide, Euthanasia, the Right to Life and the Right to Choose the Timing and Manner of Death - Paul Bowen QC: CULS Lecture
Paul Bowen QC spoke about "The Last Human Right, or its Antithesis? Assisted Suicide, Euthanasia, the Right to Life and the Right to Choose the Timing and Manner of Death" on Friday 25th January 2013 at the Faculty of Law, as a guest on the regular CULS speaker programme, Law Society Advocate of the Year 2009 and counsel for Tony Nicklinson in the widely publicised euthanasia case in August 2012,
This House Believes That Duties of Care are Really Duties: CULS Debate
The final CULS Speakers event for 2012-13 was a debate on the proposition "This House Believes That Duties of Care are Really Duties", which featured Nick McBride (Pembroke) and Sandy Steel (Murray Edwards) for the proposition, and Jonathan Morgan (Corpus Christi) and Janet O'Sullivan (Selwyn) against.The debate was Chaired by the out-going President of CULS Jacynth Bassett, introduced by Gretel S
Life at the Bar - Alex Bailin QC: CULS Lecture
Alex Bailin QC spoke about "Life at the Bar" on Monday 27th February 2012 at the Faculty of Law, as a guest on the regular CULS speaker programme, Alex Bailin is a Member of Matrix Chambers, one the more recent Chambers (set up in 2000), said to be "a progressive, forward-thinking service which caters to the needs of the modern-day client". Described by Chambers & Partners as a barrister who
