Helping out in the Gambia

Our associate, Meredith James, recently returned from some pro bono guest lectures at the University of the Gambia’s Faculty of Law. She spoke to the first year torts class about environmental torts and how they might be used in local scenarios. For example, open burning of waste is a common site both in residential areas and in municipal waste disposal sites.

The class was interested to learn that burning waste has been the subject of successful litigation in other common law jurisdictions. One of the country’s largest waste sites, the Bakoteh landfill, is located next to the SOS Children’s Village and neighbours have complained for years about toxic smoke blowing from its open fires.

We were also able to contribute some books to their nascent law library. These law students will be among the very first Gambian-trained lawyers in a country with approximately 50 practicing lawyers. We wish them the best of luck in starting their careers, and in building the legal community of the Gambia.