Patricia Rickard-Clarke, justice advocate – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science December 20, 2017

On 5th December Patricia Rickard-Clarke was conferred with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science in University College Dublin.

Patricia Rickard-Clarke has achieved “extraordinary accomplishments in her unflinching pursuit of justice, advocacy and the greater good of Irish society,” said Professor Amanda Phelan, UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems.

A solicitor, Rickard-Clarke became a partner within three years of qualifying. In 1997, she was appointed Law Reform Commissioner, a post she held until her retirement in 2012.

She has been called to provide submissions to the Oireachtas on the topic of capacity, safeguarding and deprivation of liberty. Since 2015, she has served as the independent chair of the National Inter-Sectoral Committee for Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults.

“I have personally witnessed her dedication and expert perspectives on many issues, but particularly her advocacy for the rights of vulnerable people,” said Professor Phelan.

Rickard-Clarke has provided expert service to the Institute of Banking, was a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and a member of its Special Interest Group on Capacity.

She has received the Public Sector Lay Lawyer of the Year Award, Special Merit in the Law Award and was named Women’s Lawyer of the Year by the Irish Women’s Lawyer Association.