“Louisa Richardson represents the rising generation of socially conscious legal professionals shaping the future of Scotland’s legal landscape. As Student Director of the GCU Law Clinic, she combines academic excellence with hands on pro bono leadership, championing human rights, public law and access to justice initiatives. Her commitment to equity, inclusion and the implementation of the UNCRC in Scotland reflects a principled dedication to ensuring the law serves those who need it most. Through research, advocacy and community engagement, Louisa is already demonstrating the integrity, initiative and social awareness that will define her journey toward qualification in 2027 and beyond.”

Fantastic Lawyers® Editorial 2026

Louisa Richardson is a final year LLB (Hons) student at Glasgow Caledonian University and Student Director of the GCU Law Clinic. She is an aspiring solicitor seeking a traineeship commencing in 2027 and is already building an impressive profile in pro bono advice, social justice and public interest work.

As Student Director of the GCU Law Clinic, Louisa leads on external engagement and profile raising for the clinic, working closely with fellow students to deliver pro bono legal advice and social justice initiatives. She runs weekly sessions for the Women in Law project, encouraging research, discussion and interviews exploring the experiences of women in the legal profession, past and present.

What Louisa Richardson Actually Does

Louisa’s experience blends leadership, legal research and community engagement. Her work includes:

• Collaborating with student volunteers to provide pro bono legal advice
• Leading and organising weekly Women in Law sessions
• Supporting social justice projects and public legal education initiatives
• Organising networking events and lectures for aspiring legal professionals
• Creating legal communications and branding materials
• Conducting funded research on the experiences of disabled law students in employment

She previously worked within a criminal defence firm, gaining practical insight into client representation and the day to day operation of a legal practice. This experience strengthened her understanding of how effective legal advice can positively impact individuals and communities.

Louisa also serves as Volunteer Co-ordinator for Disabling Barriers Scotland and has contributed to discussions on disability in the legal profession, workplace accessibility and inclusion.

Areas of Interest

• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
• Human Rights and Public Law
• The UNCRC in Scotland
• Employment Law
• Pro Bono Advice
• Anti Gender Based Violence

Why She Is Different

Louisa combines academic strength with practical leadership and a clear commitment to social justice. Her background includes experience in legal administration, retail leadership and communications, which has developed her confidence in public speaking, teamwork and client engagement.

Her funded research through the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland focused on the experiences of disabled law students in employment and their views on the Scottish legal profession. Through interviews and analysis, she highlighted common themes and made recommendations aimed at improving inclusivity within the sector.

Louisa has also been recognised for her contribution to student representation and equality initiatives, receiving Honorary Life Membership from GCU Students’ Association and a nomination for Law Student of the Year at the Women in Law Awards by Next 100 Years.

Trust Markers

• Student Director, GCU Law Clinic
• Volunteer Co-ordinator, Disabling Barriers Scotland
• Undergraduate Vacation Scholar, Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland
• Nominee, Law Student of the Year, Women in Law Awards by Next 100 Years
• Honorary Life Member, GCU Students’ Association

Outside Work

Outside her academic and leadership roles, Louisa enjoys spending time with friends and family, travelling and exploring new cultures. She maintains an active lifestyle and values continuous personal development alongside her legal studies.

As an emerging legal professional with a strong foundation in pro bono work, equality initiatives and public interest law, Louisa Richardson represents the next generation of socially conscious Scottish lawyers.