The Immigration Project
In 2013 LASPO will effectively take immigration out of the scope of legal aid. This impact this will have on access to quality immigration advice will be significant.
In expectation of the increased need for pro bono immigration advice LawWorks, in conjunction with the LCF, is piloting a project with two elements:
(i) Providing sustainability advice to key law centres that provide immigration advice; and
(ii) Develop new models for the delivery of pro bono support for immigration advice through these agencies.
Sustainability:
For the first element, LawWorks works with the Law Centres Federation to identify appropriate law centres with some need for assistance relating to sustainability and financial health. LawWorks sources appropriate volunteers from member organisations to help with the expertise needed. Volunteers can include lawyers, accountants, IT experts and management consultants.
Immigration:
For the second element LawWorks looks to develop and implement a model for the delivery of pro bono immigration advice. Since the project began in January 2012, research has been carried out into the possible means of providing pro bono immigration support to law centres. While engagement with students and administration volunteers to provide basic support to caseworkers is thought to be achievable, it is recognised that the actual pro bono provision of immigration advice by means of volunteer solicitors may beyond reach for this project.
For more information on this project, or if you are interested in participating, please contact Alicia Smith at LawWorks.
T: 0207 092 3949
E: alicia.smith@lawworks.org.uk
A: LawWorks, The National Pro Bono Centre, 48 Chancery Lane, WC2A 1JF