Founder of the Law Centres movement celebrated for major contribution to UK legal profession

The award recognises Kandler’s extraordinary contribution to the law of England and Wales outside the courtroom and, in doing so, shines a light on the public value of Law Centres.

In 1970, Kandler and Lord Tony Gifford KC founded North Kensington Law Centre in a former butcher’s shop near Notting Hill. At a time when access to legal advice was largely determined by income, Kandler pioneered a new model of community-based lawyering that placed expert legal help directly within neighbourhoods facing poverty and discrimination.

The Law Centre pushed back against the contemporary injustices of Rachmanism and racist policing, and drove system change. The idea of duty solicitors in police stations—ubiquitous today—was a North Kensington Law Centre innovation.

Kandler’s work helped catalyse the growth of a national Law Centres movement, now supported by the Law Centres Network, which has shaped public policy, influenced legal education and inspired generations of lawyers to pursue careers in public service. Kandler’s contribution extended well beyond individual cases: he helped redefine the role of the lawyer as a guardian of fairness, accountability and the rule of law outside the courtroom.

This award comes at a critical moment for access to justice. Across the country, people are facing rising housing insecurity, precarious work and problems accessing essential support, while the legal system has become increasingly complex and difficult to navigate without expert help.

Recognising Peter Kandler’s contribution is a reminder that early, community-based legal advice is not a ‘nice to have’, but essential public infrastructure. Law Centres prevent problems from escalating into homelessness, job loss or family crisis, saving public money while upholding confidence in the rule of law. At a time when trust in institutions is under strain, this award underscores the enduring importance of Law Centres in making the law work fairly for everyone.

Peter Kandler said:

‘This honour reflects a belief that has guided my work for more than fifty years: that there should not be one law for the wealthy and another for everyone else. 

‘Law Centres were created to bring the law into people’s everyday lives. The challenge now is whether we have the will to ensure that access to justice remains a cornerstone of our society, rather than something quietly allowed to fade.’

Julie Bishop, director of the Law Centres Network, said:

‘We are delighted that Peter has been awarded King’s Counsel Honoris Causa. Peter’s vision helped create the Law Centres movement, which for more than fifty years has provided free, expert legal support in communities across England and Wales. His groundbreaking and vital work continues to this day, in every Law Centre, helping people secure a safe home, fair work and stability for their families.’

For media enquiries, please email media@lawcentres.org.uk