James Organ

Dr James Organ is a Reader in Law at the University of Liverpool, part of the School of Law and Social Justice within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. He holds a PhD and specializes in EU participatory democracy and access to justice. His work includes research on the European Citizens’ Initiative and legal aid reforms, with significant contributions to policy and civil society collaboration.

James completed his doctoral thesis in 2015, focusing on legal frameworks for citizen participation in EU democracy. His professional background includes over a decade with Citizens Advice before academia, shaping his interest in access to justice.

Research interests include EU democratic mechanisms, particularly the European Citizens’ Initiative, and the impact of legal aid cuts on welfare rights. He has published extensively in journals like the German Law Journal and co-authored books on EU democracy. His work bridges academic research with policy advocacy, collaborating with organizations such as the ECI Association and the European Economic and Social Committee.

James has secured grants from the European Commission and Equality and Human Rights Commission, leading projects like the CARE initiative on EU democratic participation and studies on legal aid’s societal impact. He teaches modules on EU law and public interest lawyering, integrating practical placements in third-sector advice organizations.

His professional activities include advising the European Economic and Social Committee and collaborating with civil society to enhance citizen engagement in EU governance. He also works with Liverpool Law Society on access to justice issues.