At the University of Leicester Legal Advice Clinic, law students, some of them IAA trained, and experienced solicitors are helping to change that.
Since its establishment, the Legal Advice Clinic has continued to evolve to respond to the changing needs of its local community. In December 2024, the clinic expanded its work with the launch of a dedicated immigration service, becoming regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) at Level 3, and enabling it to provide free, regulated immigration advice to those who need it most.
For Afsaan Sharif, the supervising solicitor at the clinic, the aim has always been about more than helping people navigate legal processes.
"For many people, it provides a window of hope. There are so many barriers that somebody arriving in a new country can face, and with access to legal aid becoming increasingly limited, many struggle to get the support they need. Without early advice and support, problems can quickly escalate. Receiving that support at the right time can be truly life-changing."
That belief shapes every part of the clinic. Students don't simply observe from the sidelines, they become an integral part of the service. Students complete specialist training and some become IAA accredited immigration advisers. Then they work alongside experienced solicitors to support clients through some of the most significant moments of their lives. Students also have access to LawWorks' free online training programme, helping them build the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to support vulnerable clients. The clinic also takes part in the LawWorks Immigration Hub, where advisers from across the network share knowledge, discuss emerging issues and learn from one another.
"The support networks and training resources provided by LawWorks are invaluable. They strengthen our clinic work and help us prepare our students for legal practice.”
The impact of the clinic is perhaps best illustrated through the people it supports.
Earlier this year, a refugee approached the clinic with only a matter of hours to submit a Refugee Family Reunion application before a short application window closed and a suspension was implemented. Working quickly, the team gathered the necessary evidence and submitted the application in time. Last month, the client's husband and two children learned that their application had been successful. This month the family reunited, bringing a long and anxious wait to a joyful end
"It's not just headlines, there are real people, real humans behind those headlines as well."
Looking ahead, the clinic hopes to build on the strong foundations it has established. Demand for both its services and student volunteer opportunities continues to grow, reflecting the increasing need for accessible immigration advice and the enthusiasm of students to make a difference through pro bono. Afsaan hopes the clinic will continue to inspire the next generation of immigration lawyers, equipping them with the skills, compassion and commitment to support communities long into the future.
At LawWorks, we believe everyone should be able to access the legal advice they need. While pro bono should never replace a properly funded legal aid system, it plays an important role in helping people access timely legal support while wider challenges remain. Through the dedication of supervising solicitors, student volunteers and clinics like the University of Leicester Legal Advice Clinic, more people are receiving the support they need to navigate complex legal challenges and move forward with confidence.