20/05/2021 – Launch of University of London Refugee Law Clinic

This online event celebrates the launch of the University of London intercollegiate Refugee Law Clinic, recognising our partnerships, networks and the work of the clinic. The event will present a number of introductory comments from the University’s Vice Chancellor, project partners and staff, followed by an expert panel discussion addressing the topic of ‘The New Plan for Immigration: What now for asylum seekers?’.

The Refugee Law Clinic is an innovative project providing pro bono legal advice for refugee clients based on a model of Clinical Legal Education for its diverse student body. It began operating in 2020. The clinic’s work focuses on advising and preparing fresh claims for asylum, an area identified as underserved in the current legal landscape, and complements the work of law firms and other service providers in London. So far, the clinic has supported over 25 clients towards submitting their fresh claims and has undertaken various activities to promote good practice around fresh claims in the sector.

The clinic is supported by the Central University and by ten of the University’s Member Institutions. Delivered in partnership with two leading international law firms based in London, Macfarlanes and Clifford Chance, the Refugee Law Clinic also provides opportunities for lawyers to undertake pro bono work within the clinic.

Structure of event:

  • 4.00 – 4.05pm: Introduction by chair, Professor David Cantor (Director of Refugee Law Initiative and Chair of the Clinic’s Governing Board)
  • 4.05 – 4.10pm: Formal opening (‘Cutting the Ribbon’) by University of London Vice Chancellor Professor Wendy Thomson CBE, Louise Zekaria (Macfarlanes) and David Boyd (Clifford Chance)
  • 4.10 – 4.20pm: ‘The clinic to date: Opening a new legal education service in times of COVID’ by Frances Trevena (Supervising Lawyer) and Susan Reardon-Smith (Clinic Coordinator)
  • 4.20 – 4.25pm: Working with the Refugee Law Clinic: Client testimonial and presentation from volunteer group
  • 4.25 – 4.55pm: Panel Discussion: ‘The New Plan for Immigration: What now for asylum seekers?’ With Louise Hooper (Garden Court Chambers), Professor Elspeth Guild (Queen Mary University of London) and Kemena Dorling (Helen Bamber Foundation)
  • 4.55 – 5.00pm: Closing comments from Professor David Cantor

Register for the event here: https://rli.sas.ac.uk/events/event/24386