Legal aid cuts and rising costs had left many residents unable to afford advice, and existing services were struggling to keep up.
“The waiting list was huge, and client appointments weren’t being offered until six or seven months down the line. It just felt completely pointless and impossible to meet the need. There’s a huge demand for free legal support here, and not much available.”
Determined to launch the clinic with a strong structure, Asif began exploring how to make it sustainable for the long term. His vision was to create something that not only gave law students real-world experience but also delivered consistent advice to local people who had nowhere else to turn. The challenge was finding the right partners and framework to make it viable, and that was where LawWorks stepped in.
Asif connected with Rebecca Howell, Head of Clinics Programme at LawWorks, who provided both strategic guidance and practical tools to support the relaunch. LawWorks facilitated a partnership between the university and Bolton Central Library, creating a community-facing space where clients could access advice in the town centre. The team also reached out to local firms including AFG Law and Joe Egan Solicitors, bringing volunteer solicitors into the project from its earliest stages.
The joint efforts were successful, and the clinic now runs on the second Tuesday of each month, offering around 15 to 20 appointments per session. Eleven law students are currently involved, handling client enquiries, triage, and follow-up work under solicitor supervision. For many, it is their first experience of face-to-face client contact, and the impact has been immediate.
“The students are very grateful for the experience. They see first-hand how that 30-minute appointment can make a real difference. For many clients, it’s advice they’d never have been able to access otherwise.”
LawWorks’ support has been practical and hands-on from the beginning. Beyond making introductions, it helped the team put strong foundations in place, from policies and training materials to volunteer recruitment and guidance. That ongoing advice, combined with national recognition through the Clinics Network, has given the Bolton clinic both credibility and the ability to be a part of a wider pro bono community.
“LawWorks takes away a lot of the time and effort it takes to get started. They reached out to firms for us, shared templates and policies, and even helped us build our student induction using their training materials. I genuinely don’t think I could have managed it without them. It’s not just a network, it’s a partnership that makes access to justice possible.”
Asif’s commitment to access to justice and to his local community has shaped every part of the University of Bolton Legal Advice Bureau. His work, supported by LawWorks and local partners, shows how collaboration can turn ideas into action. What began as a small initiative is now helping people across Bolton find the legal help they need, and inspiring others to see pro bono as a shared responsibility.
The LawWorks Clinics Network supports over 300 free legal advice clinics across England and Wales, helping thousands of people each year who cannot afford legal support. By providing resources, training and partnerships, LawWorks helps clinics like the University of Bolton Legal Advice Bureau reach more people and strengthen access to justice in their communities.
You can help support this work by donating to LawWorks and supporting the expansion of free legal advice services across the country.