Ryan Whelan

Ryan Whelan, a 23 year old law student, is the founder of The Aberdeen Law Project, which he established with the belief that law students could use their knowledge to make a difference to the lives of those less fortunate. His ambition was to create a pro bono facility that would assist, inspire and facilitate personal and community improvement. He has achieved this - improving the lives of those who society tend to forget. The outreach of the project is widespread and growing. In addition to providing legal advice and representation to the economically disadvantaged, the clinic supports local MPs, Grampian Police, HMP Aberdeen, numerous charities, schools and community centres. The project does more than resolve disputes - it invests in the community and cultivates a culture of community service through assistance and education. The benefit to society is truly substantial.