Sisters in Law – Harriet Wistrich

15 July 2024

Centre for Women’s Justice (CWJ)

I have known of Harriet Wistrich and the work of the CWJ for some years having been on their legal panel. I have provided pro bono legal advice for women connected to the CWJ who have needed for employment guidance. I have always admired both Harriet and the work of the CWJ for their unending support for women who have suffered long-standing abuse and who often have nowhere to turn. These women often find themselves in the criminal justice system, unfairly and wrongly accused of crimes that have a tragic and contextual back story.

I did not anticipate when reading Harriet’s book how enthralled I would be from page one. It is a page turner and a book I read in three days, diving in at any available moment. I was amazed by the number of high profile cases Harriet had been involved in from Emma Humphries to Jean Charles de Menezes, Sally Challen, undercover policemen who had relationships with civilians and the scandals around the treatment of those detained in Yarl’s Wood Detention Centre.

One thing that shone through throughout the book, is Harriet’s dedication to her clients, to seeking justice and making changes to the law. The number of amazing lawyers featured is a roll call in human rights prowess/criminal justice prowess and I was delighted to recognise names of practitioners I have also had the pleasure of working with. Those that are well-known for their dedication and excellence in human rights, criminal justice and discrimination law.

I cannot do the book justice in a few short sentences. I was privileged to attend a launch of the book hosted by Saira Ahmed. Everyone in the room felt the same, had voraciously read the book and were connected in their support and respect for Harriet. It is a book that I will read again and will sit happily among my other feminist literature.

I invite you to read the book, linked here https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/455720/sister-in-law-by-wistrich-harriet/9781911709268, you will not be disappointed.

This blog was written by Elizabeth McGlone, Partner at didlaw.

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