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LEADING lawyers who have observed human rights trials abroad are to speak at a special Law Society and Bar Council training day.

Solicitors Geoffrey Bindman and Jane Deighton are among the speakers at the human rights event, to be held on 18 May.

They will share their experiences and offer practical advice through talks and role plays. Bates Wells & Braithwaite solicitor Philip Kirkpatrick, who travelled to Turkey last year, will describe what it is like to participate in a first mission.

Michael Birnbaum QC observed the trial of Nigerian dissident Ken Saro-Wiwa last year. He said: "Trial observation is important in showing the accused, the prosecution and the authorities that people are interested in what they are doing in terms of breaches of the law and human rights.

"In some cases an international presence and the fact the trial may be reported may even mitigate injustice."

The event, at the University of London Union, costs £20 and is open to anyone with an interest in human rights but places are limited.

For more information, contact Laura Magnus or Fiona Mackenzie at the Law Society on 0171 320 5881/5942.