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Speaker & restorative justice expert

Lee Lawrence

Build inclusive, resilient organisations with Lee Lawrence, speaker, restorative justice and conflict resolution expert. Lee works with institutions to foster dialogue, address systemic challenges, and promote accountability, delivering Costa Award-winning insights.

Lee Lawrence, Speaker | Restorative Justice Advocate
Lee Lawrence

Lee Lawrence

London, United Kingdom

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This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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London, United Kingdom

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Lee Lawrence's biography

At a glance

  • Respected restorative justice ambassador
  • Costa Biography Award winner for The Louder I Will Sing
  • Founder of the Cherry Groce Foundation

Lee Lawrence is an award-winning author, mediator and advocate for restorative justice. His work focuses on creating inclusive communities, supporting social change and promoting alternative approaches to conflict resolution. Through his lived experience and professional practice, he provides a perspective on resilience, accountability and the power of dialogue to transform institutions and relationships. At the age of eleven, Lee witnessed the shooting of his mother, Dorothy “Cherry” Groce, during a police raid, an event that became a pivotal moment in British history. Her experience left her with lifelong injuries and ultimately contributed to her death in 2011. Lee’s journey in the years that followed was shaped by a determination to seek justice, culminating in a full public apology and accountability from the Metropolitan Police. Lee went on to found the Cherry Groce Foundation, established to support individuals and families facing extraordinary challenges such as disability and mobility issues. Alongside his charity work, he has trained as a mediator and now works with organisations, institutions and communities to foster constructive dialogue and to address systemic challenges. His approach is rooted in restorative practices that emphasise healing, fairness and lasting change. Lee reflects on these experiences in his 2020 memoir, The Louder I Will Sing, which won the Costa Biography Award. The book has since been introduced into schools, ensuring that the lessons of his family’s story continue to inform younger generations. Lee combines his personal story with professional expertise to inspire new ways of thinking about justice, inclusion and leadership. He continues to play a central role in shaping conversations around resilience, social equity and the pursuit of meaningful change.

Lee's showreel and videos

Why we recommend booking Lee

Book Lee Lawrence to inspire your team with powerful lessons on resilience, inclusion and transformative leadership, drawn from his lived experience and award-winning work in restorative justice. Bring Lee in to spark meaningful dialogue and equip your organization with practical tools for positive change.

Testimonials

Thank you most sincerely for your wonderful contribution on Tuesday. I've never had such heartfelt feedback on any class as I've received from the students you spoke to. So many of them have spontaneously approached me to say how extraordinary it was to hear what you had to say and how helpful it was in understanding what restorative justice is all about.

Cambridge: Evidence for Restorative Justice Conferences

That was truly a great event. Thank you Lee for sharing your story, one lesson that resonated with me was how you didn’t give up because ‘the purpose outweighed the challenge’. Very inspirational!

J.P. Morgan

That was such an amazing hour. You are a real inspiration and my colleagues and I are proud to have been part of the conversation. There is a lot of work to do and the journey is a long one but with people like yourself engaged in this conversation with the energy and heart that you bring, we are in a better place. Thank you once again.

West Midlands Police

Featured Projects

The Louder I Will Sing

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Lee Lawrence for my next event?

Email lee.lawrence@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Lee's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.

What is Lee Lawrence's speaking style like?

Lee Lawrence structures his sessions around his memoir, The Louder I Will Sing, drawing on the documented events of his mother Dorothy "Cherry" Groce's shooting by police in 1985 and his subsequent decades-long pursuit of accountability from the Metropolitan Police. He connects this personal narrative to his professional practice as a trained mediator, using restorative justice frameworks to translate lived experience into applicable models for institutions and communities.

What topics does Lee Lawrence specialise in?

Lee Lawrence speaks on restorative justice, conflict resolution, inclusive communities, accountability, and resilience rooted in lived experience of systemic injustice. His memoir, The Louder I Will Sing, won the Costa Biography Award in 2020.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

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If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.