The Dias Law Lecture and Lunch 2026

Mickey Dias was a much loved Law Fellow (the first that the College elected) from 1955 until his death in 2009, serving as Director of Studies in Law and, from 1988 to 1991, President of the College. The Dias Law Lecture was created in his memory and occurs biennially. 

We are honoured that this year's Dias Law Lecture will take place on Saturday 27 June and will be given by the Master, Sir Christopher Greenwood GBE CMG KC (1973) on the subject of 'Is there a Future for International Law?'

Following the lecture there will be a two course lunch in Hall.

Programme

Date: Saturday 27 June 2026

Time: 

• From 10.30am: Tea and Coffee, Cripps Court (open to all)
• 11.00am: The Dias Law Lecture, The Sir Humphrey Cripps Auditorium, Cripps Court
• 12.15pm: Drinks Reception (lunch attendees only)
• 1.00pm: Two-course lunch in Hall

Dress Code: Lounge suit or equivalent

Cost

The Dias Law Lecture is free to attend, however registration is essential.
For the lunch in Hall there is a charge of £45 per person (to include pre-lunch drinks, followed by a two course lunch in Hall with accompanying Fellows' wines). Please select the 'Lecture AND Lunch' ticket type should you wish to attend the drinks and lunch.

Guests

Members are welcome to be accompanied by a guest for the occasion. Should you wish to bring a guest, please ensure you book them a ticket below.

Accommodation

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer overnight accommodation on this occasion due to Term being in session and current students being in residence. A list of local hotels is available from the Development Office should you require it.

Booking

Registration is essential. To book you place, please complete the form below. Should you have any questions or problems, please contact alumni@magd.cam.ac.uk. The limited capacity and the likely demand for places is such that spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that the booking deadline for lunch places is Monday 15 June.

Sir Christopher Greenwood GBE CMG KC (1973)

Master

Sir Christopher came up to Magdalene in 1973, and obtained his BA in Law in 1976 and LlB (now LlM) in International Law in 1977. During his undergraduate years he was President of the Cambridge Union Society (Lent Term 1976).

After being called to the Bar by Middle Temple, he became a Fellow of Magdalene in 1978. He served successively as Dean, Director of Studies in Law and Tutor. A Lecturer in the Law Faculty, he taught International Law, the Law of Armed Conflict, European Community Law, Criminal Law and Constitutional Law.

In 1996 he became Professor of International Law at the London School of Economics, specialising in international humanitarian law. During these years he also practised as a barrister, becoming a Queen’s Counsel in 1999. His court appearances included the Pinochet case in the House of Lords, cases about the Lockerbie bombing and the Kosovo conflict in the International Court of Justice and numerous cases before the European Court of Human Rights, the Court of Justice of the European Union and the English courts. He was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) for services to international law in 2002 and was knighted in 2009.

In 2008 he was elected by the United Nations as a Judge of the International Court of Justice and by Magdalene as an Honorary Fellow. He served on the Court until 2018 and was appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) for services to international justice in the same year. The United States appointed him as one of its three appointees on the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal in 2018. A Bencher of Middle Temple since 2003, he was Master Reader of the Inn in Lent 2020.

For full terms and conditions relating to this event please visit our Alumni Events - Guidance and Information page.

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Alumni Events Contact

Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to book to attend a Magdalene Alumni event.

Alumni Events Team
Mrs Emma Tunbridge-Hibbert
Miss Sarah Rodwell

events@magd.cam.ac.uk
01223 32104