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Year of call 1993

"John's approach to disability discrimination is absolutely inspirational.  His expertise is second to none and together with his experience, he is a formidable force in the fight to eradicate discrimination based on disability." Les Willans (represented by John in a goods and services discrimination case)

overview

On the day before the millennium John Horan had a stroke – it changed his life and made him a better discrimination lawyer.  His extensive experience in battling for the rights of disabled people has led to expertise in employment, goods and services, education and public authorities.

He also has a particular interest in other kinds of anti-discrimination work and employment law generally.  It has taken him to Trinidad, successfully changing the state honour system as fostering difference and not in compliance with the international law; its has taken him to the Croydon ET where he successfully challenged the terms offer to part time high court judges as discriminatory, and to Hull where he was the first advocate to persuade the ET to recommend reinstatement of a police office.

His views have lead to him being interviewed by the BBC's Ouch and being the subject of stories by The Guardian and The Times. He champions the rights of the disability community and was awarded Bar Council “Pro Bono Lawyer for the Year” in 2003.

John appears frequently for law centres, the FRU, ELAAS, Bar Pro Bono Unit and the Disability Law Association as well as well-known solicitors firms.

areas of practice

  • Discrimination and equality
  • Employment

appointments and memberships

Bar Council's "Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year" Award in 2003.
Trustee, Disability Law Association
Trustee, Different Strokes
The Employment Legal Advice Service
ELBA
Discrimination Law Association
Free Representation Unit
Admitted to Commonwealth Bar (Trinidad and Tobago) 2005 

publications and training

John contributes regularly to the national and professional press as well as to Disability Now.  He has been asked to speak to the House of Commons and House of Lords.  He lectures on discriminaton law and human rights to Government departments, the police federation and law centres. 

John's 2011 lecture to the Academy of European law can be seen here.

qualifications

BA hons in Philosophy, Camtab

John also speaks French (poorly) and is excellent at riding a tricycle.