ABOUT ME

As a detention specialist, I have a strong understanding of international human rights standards and the challenges prison administrations face in implementing these standards. I am a trusted expert on prisoners’ rights, dignity behind bars, prison reform, and the prohibition of torture and ill-treatment, helping organizations navigate complexity with clarity and integrity.

For nearly three decades, I have worked across the human rights system, including with international organizations such as the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE; the British Government; non-governmental organizations including Amnesty International and Penal Reform International; national human rights institutions; and universities in the UK and Canada.

Alongside my legal and advocacy work, I support human rights professionals as they navigate complex, values-driven careers. I help people clarify their direction, recognize their strengths, and build sustainable paths that allow them to continue making meaningful impact.

I am passionate about working with organizations that put human rights at the very heart of their policies and practices. If you are an international organization, NGO, academic institution, or government body seeking an internationally experienced human rights lawyer to support your work, I would love to talk.

I am here to help you put human rights first. I look forward to meeting you and supporting your work.

Thank you for stopping by. I’m so glad you’re here.

My name is Vicki Prais. I’m an international human rights lawyer, independent consultant, academic, and career coach for human rights professionals. I believe that “We are all experts in our own little niches“ and mine is clear. My work sits at the intersection of justice, dignity, and professional growth.

London is home, but the world is my workplace. I partner with international organizations, governments, academic institutions, and civil society to research and document human rights violations, design and deliver human rights training, and advocate for reform at national, regional, and international levels.

I care deeply about prisoners’ rights, prison reform, and dignity behind bars. My commitment to this work began as a student volunteer in a prison crèche, an experience that continues to shape my perspective today. Since then, I have built extensive expertise through practical visits to closed institutions in Japan, Georgia, Canada, Spain, and the UK, gaining first-hand insight into the realities of detention.

Qualifications

  • LLB (Law) – University of the West of England, Bristol

  • LLM in Human Rights and Civil Liberties, University of Leicester

  • Qualified Solicitor (England and Wales)

  • Tara Mohr, The Coaching Way – Using a Coaching Approach to help others thrive (June-July 2021)

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A Brief Timeline of Me

Me in 4 Pictures

  • A picture of Vicki dressed for afternoon tea

    Afternoon tea

    I’m a great fan of afternoon tea. Here I am at Fortnum and Masons in London!

  • A picture of Vicki holding a microphone at a conference

    London is home but the world is my workplace

    My work has taken me all over the world including to Dhaka, Bangladesh to train prison healthcare officials

  • A picture of Vicki on a bridge in Japan

    Japan stole my heart

    I visited Japan in 2016 as a Human Rights Advisor to the Foreign Office. This visit will always stay with me and I have many fond memories of my time there.

  • Vicki stood on a beach

    We all need to get away

    Our work as human rights professionals can be tough and demanding. We all need time away and the sea can be a real tonic. Here I am in Whitstable, Kent.

Publications

I really enjoy writing both academically and for a wider audience through blogs, industry journals and Op-Eds. I have written on a wide range of human rights issues. You will find me published here:

Find all my publications here

Awards

My work in the human rights field has been recognized for its impact, integrity, and leadership. These awards reflect a long-standing commitment to advancing human rights.

  • Centre for Human Rights, Birmingham City University (appointed October 2021). More information here.

  • For showing inspirational energy and passion in working for the rights of vulnerable clients at the Immigration Advisory Service

  • nominee for best individual from “in house”/central and local government/voluntary sector

  • Academic Board member, European Law Students Association & the Council of Europe. More information here.

Media & Mentions

I’m an experienced and dynamic public speaker, relaxed and at ease in speaking in front of public audiences as well as smaller, more intimate groups. I have appeared in the print media, blogs and podcasts including:

If you’d like me to appear on your platform, give an interview or speak at your event, please contact me.

Contact Me