»Ê¼Ò»ªÈË

Project Overview

The University of London (UoL)ÌýRefugee Law ClinicÌýprovidesÌýpro bono legal advice for appeal rights exhausted (ARE) clients based on a model of Clinical Legal Education for its diverse student body. Delivered in partnership with two law firms, the Refugee Law Clinic also providesÌýthe opportunityÌýfor lawyers to undertakeÌýpro bonoÌýwork within the clinic.Ìý

The clinic’s main legal focus is preparing and advising on fresh claims for asylum, an area identified as underserviced in the current legal landscape, and aims to complement the work of law firms and other service providers in London.

The Refugee Law Clinic contributes much-needed pro bono legal services to asylum seekers in London and develops partnerships towards this objective. FromÌýconducting a mapping exercise of the legal landscape in London, the area of fresh claimsÌýwas found to be the greatest area ofÌýlegalÌýneed. Providing such a serviceÌýcomplements the work of law firms and help to fill a key gap in existing service provision.

Through its outreach activities the clinic also seeks to support a number of organisations through developing referral systems and providing legal awareness-raising.

Clinical Legal Education programmes are highly beneficial and formative for law students, developing experience and interest in social justice work. Law clinics also contribute to the legal landscape through test cases, research and reflection on law practice and reform.

About the RoleÌý

Each year, around 50 UoL students (from the 10 participating Member Institutions) work in the clinic. Students work on cases in groups of up to four, alongside volunteer lawyers from commercial law firms, and under the direct supervision of the supervising lawyer. Students are trained in the relevant law and policy, as well as a range of other areas such as practical skills, ethics and professional responsibilities.

Students are involved in working on the various aspects of preparing a fresh claim submission for appeal rights exhausted asylum seekers. The work might include research, gathering evidence and drafting submissions, as well as interviewing and taking witness statements and reviewing past decision making.ÌýStudents will also be involved in managing the administration of the clinic.

It is expected that students will work in the clinic for around a half-day per week for a period of up to one academicÌýyear.

The clinic is located in the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies building in Russell Square, London, however, in light of the changing Coronavirus regulations, the clinic will operate with a mixed model of virtual and face-to-face where appropriate.Ìý

Focus of work

Initially, the primary focus of the clinic will be on Further Submissions for Fresh Claims for asylum.

Submitting a ‘fresh claim for asylum’Ìýis the process by which a declined asylum-seeker seeks to advance further representations to make a fresh claim on the basis ofÌýimportantÌýnew factorsÌý(such as changed circumstances, additional evidence, etc.). A successful fresh claim can lead to a grant of refugee status or humanitarian protection. A claim that is accepted can also give rise to a further in country right of appeal.Ìý

Training and Supervision Provided:

The Refugee Law Clinic is structured as a direct legal service provider and is regulated by the OISC. All work will be overseen by a supervising lawyer, supported by a coordinator and advice will be issued on the clinic’s letterhead and under the clinic’s supervising lawyer’s name.

All students will be expected to undergo training covering key information and skills including:

• Introduction to Asylum Law
• Fresh Claims in Practice
• Gathering and Assessing Evidence
• Practical Skills
• Working as a LawyerÌý

Training is a mixture of independent reading,Ìýtwo 2-hourÌýseminars, and short quizzes. Training is compulsory and will start in October 2024.Ìý

In addition, all students will receive the CAJ Mandatory Volunteer training, which covers data protection and confidentiality, working with vulnerable clients, professional conduct and regulation, self-care, and our expectations of CAJ volunteers.

Pro Bono Skills Development Framework Ìý

The Centre for Access to Justice now offers all students engaged in voluntary pro bono the opportunity to participate in theÌýProÌýBonoÌýSkillsÌýDevelopment Framework. This framework allows you to reflect on theÌýskillsÌýgained during your placement, aligned with theÌýÌýCompleting it earns you a Certificate of Commitment toÌýProÌýBono, acknowledging your dedication and skill development. Your participation will help you document and showcase the valuable competencies you've developed, however, please note that participation in the PBSDF scheme is entirely voluntary and will not affect your placement in any way.

Eligibility and How to Apply:Ìý

This opportunity is open to LLM students only.

Applications for this opportunity will open on 23 September 2024. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview.Ìý

The deadline for submitting an applicationÌýis 5ÌýOctober 2024 at 11:59PM. Interviews will take place on the 9th of October. Please apply via the online application form.Ìý

When applying, please make sure you have completed the .ÌýYou only need to complete this once per academic year.Ìý

Should you have any questions, please contact Annika Melwani atÌýannika.melwani@ucl.ac.uk.