Interviews

Name: Fergal McConnon
TCD Qualifications: LL.B in law
Title: Chair of Trinity FLAC

About: Trinity FLAC aims to promote the principles of social justice and human rights through various activities. It provides free legal advice to students and staff of the university through weekly clinics staffed by volunteer solicitors and barristers. It also campaigns on issues of social justice and human rights by hosting a variety of guest speakers and conferences and conducting research projects and moot court competitions.

Tell us about how you got involved in Trinity FLAC?
As a fresher, FLAC was a society that I identified with and wanted to join. I had an interest in human rights and wanted to be involved with a socially aware organisation whose work centred around helping others. When applications were sought for new committee members, I applied and was lucky enough to be accepted. Since then, FLAC has been a central part of my university experience.

Tell us about the work of Trinity FLAC?
Trinity FLAC is Trinity’s branch of the Free Legal Advice Centres, a human rights organisation which promotes equal access to justice for all. In addition to providing free legal advice to students by holding a weekly free legal advice clinic, we aim to promote social justice. We host talks and seminars to raise awareness of important social issues. We also engage students with public interest law by running moot court competitions, and conducting research projects and fundraisers for charities.

Winner of best overall society in the Central Society Awards (sponsored by alumni), what are your comments on winning this award?
Firstly, it was fantastic to win the best medium society award and then it was an unexpected bonus for us to win the best overall society award. It was the hard work of the present and past committee’s that led to our achievements and it was great to see that being recognised. I have had the honour of working with so many talented and committed people in FLAC in the last four years. The award is a testament to their dedication to the society.

What has been your biggest achievement in your role as Chair?
This year was the 25th anniversary of Trinity FLAC receiving approval to be a recognised society of Trinity. One of my main goals as Chair was to recognise this milestone by fostering links with former society members. I researched the society’s history, created a database of former FLAC members and invited them to a celebration evening in the Mansion House. The event was a great success and the creation of strong links with our alumni will certainly benefit the society in years to come.

How has your involvement in the society impacted your career choices for after graduation?
When I was conducting research into the society’s history and its former members, I was fascinated by the variety of paths FLAC alumni have pursued. Many have inspiring careers in human rights law and advocacy, others have become successful barristers and solicitors and some have pursued academia. There are a lot of options I can choose from and I have learned so much from my four years involvement in the society.

What ways can alumni get involved with the society?
At present, we are trying to create stronger links with alumni who were involved in FLAC during their time at Trinity. It is always great to hear the memories and stories that our alumni have to share. Through FLAC we provide students with opportunities to gain work experience in human rights organisations and to engage in research on issues relevant to human rights and social justice. Therefore, if any alumni would like to organise an office visit or have an idea for a research project, we would be delighted to hear from you. To get involved or to find out more about the society, please contact flac@csc.tcd.ie.