Marking the launch of ‘Indefensible: How Lawyers Failed to Stop the Post Office Scandal,’ this exclusive Legal Wales Foundation fringe event brings together legal journalist and author, John Hyde, for an evening of conversation exploring the professional, ethical and human lessons of one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in modern British history.
Legal News Wales, Browne Jacobson and Menzies LLP are delighted to host this official fringe event ahead of the Legal Wales Conference on the 9th October 2026.
The evening will centre on an exclusive fireside conversation with John Hyde, Deputy News Editor at The Law Society Gazette, whose new book, Indefensible, examines the legal profession’s role in the Post Office scandal and asks difficult questions about professional responsibility, accountability and the duty to uphold justice.
Drawing on years of investigative reporting and interviews, John explores how lawyers became entwined in one of the UK’s greatest institutional failures, the decisions and systems that allowed the scandal to continue unchecked, and the lasting implications for the profession. The discussion will look beyond the scandal itself to consider what today’s lawyers, regulators and leaders can learn about ethics, challenge, independence and maintaining public trust.
John will be joined by Matthew Haddow, Partner and Head of Forensic and Valuation Services at Menzies LLP, for a second fireside conversation exploring his experience as an independent forensic accountant supporting victims through the Post Office compensation schemes. Matthew’s work has provided a vital role in helping individuals evidence their financial losses and rebuild their lives following the scandal.
Together, these conversations offer a rare opportunity to explore the scandal from both a journalistic and practical perspective, encouraging discussion about the responsibilities of the legal profession and the wider justice system.
Themes we’ll explore
This thought-provoking evening will consider the wider lessons the Post Office scandal continues to hold for the legal profession, including:
- Professional ethics and accountability
- The lawyer’s duty to challenge and act
- Access to justice and public confidence in the legal system
- The role of independent expert evidence in achieving justice
- Restoring trust through transparency, leadership and professional responsibility
What to expect
- An exclusive fireside conversation with legal sector journalist and author John Hyde, discussing Indefensible and the wider lessons of the Post Office scandal for lawyers.
- A fireside conversation with Matthew Haddow on supporting claimants through the compensation process and the role of forensic accountancy in securing justice.
- Drinks and networking with colleagues from across Wales’ legal profession.
- Signed copies of Indefensible available to purchase at the event.
Indefensible: How Lawyers Failed to Stop the Post Office Scandal
The Post Office Scandal is an indelible stain on the British justice system: hundreds of sub-postmasters were wrongly labelled criminals, ruining lives and destroying communities. But the real scandal was that the Post Office’s lawyers knew the evidence was flawed but failed to act in their quest to defend a corporation. Why did they not stop it?
In the book, author and legal journalist John Hyde, dives into how legal professionals failed in their duties, silenced the truth and even turned against the victims, including accounts from victims who were advised to enter guilty pleas. But this is not just about the Post Office — this is a wider examination of the legal profession and its ethical boundaries, asking whether lawyers are putting clients’ interests above justice and how to stop such a disaster from happening again. Click here to pre-order, or purchase a copy on the night of the event.
John Hyde is Deputy News Editor at The Law Society Gazette and one of the UK’s most respected legal journalists.
His new book, Indefensible, examines the legal profession’s role in the Post Office scandal and the enduring lessons it presents for lawyers, regulators and the justice system. John has hosted numerous events and conferences and been a regular contributor on the BBC, as well as writing articles for the Independent and politics.co.uk. View John’s Gazette coverage and profile here.
Matthew Haddow is Partner and Head of Forensic and Valuation Services at MenziesLLP.
A highly experienced forensic accountant, Matthew has supported victims seeking compensation following the Post Office scandal, helping quantify financial losses and provide independent expert evidence throughout the claims process. View his full profile here.
Book now
Join us for an evening of informed discussion, professional reflection and networking as we explore one of the defining legal stories of our time—and what it means for the future of the legal profession.
Attendance is free, but places are now extremely limited and advance booking is essential.
Click here to book.
If all places are reserved, we’ll create a waiting list and let you know if a place becomes available.
Hosted in partnership by:
