Dylan Rhys Jones Keynote Speaker

Dylan Rhys Jones is a leading Welsh legal commentator, criminal lawyer, and academic with over three decades of experience in the courtroom, the classroom, and the media. He gained national prominence as the defence counsel in the high-profile Peter Moore serial killer case and has since built a reputation as a calm, meticulous, and compassionate advocate in some of Wales’ most challenging criminal trials.

Fluent in Welsh and a long-time campaigner for bilingual justice, Dylan is also a regular presence on BBC, ITV, and S4C, known for his legal analysis and powerful documentary storytelling. His acclaimed book The Man in Black and the BAFTA Cymru-nominated S4C documentary Y Dyn Mewn Du offer rare insight into the realities of serious crime and courtroom drama.

He has played a key role in shaping the future of legal education in Wales, leading curriculum development initiatives and supporting access to justice through projects such as the Innocence Project. Dylan also served as Chair of the Education and Training Panel of the Law Council of Wales and remains a driving force for justice reform.

After facing his own mental health challenges, Dylan has become a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, especially in the legal and criminal justice professions. His current research focuses on the effects of vicarious trauma among lawyers, police officers, and other frontline professionals, and he speaks candidly and powerfully about the need for trauma-informed approaches in high-pressure sectors.