This case study delves into a collaborative effort between Bristol Refugee Rights (BRR) and private Immigration Law solicitors Osborne Clarke.
This case study delves into a collaborative effort between Bristol Refugee Rights (BRR) and private Immigration Law solicitors Osborne Clarke. The Pro Bono Legal Project emerged as a response to the challenging landscape of accessing timely and free immigration advice for BRR members. This innovative approach aimed to bridge gaps in services and offer swift guidance to vulnerable migrants.
BRR partnered with Osborne Clarke to address the dearth of accessible and timely legal aid solicitors in Bristol. Leveraging the expertise of a solicitor who was once a BRR volunteer, the project sought to provide quick, accurate immigration advice, aiding members in making informed decisions. Overcoming challenges related to scheduling, room bookings, interpreters, and costs, the initiative commenced in March 2023.
The project’s biweekly sessions at BRR enabled members to access one-on-one legal advice promptly, mitigating the anxiety caused by delays. In 16 instances, individuals received counsel on various immigration matters, from asylum cases to family life applications and work visas. This rapid-response approach has delivered clarity and a defined path forward for the members.
The project’s success lies in its ability to expedite cases and enhance legal support. It offers a pre-triage mechanism, aiding other solicitors in gauging the viability of a case and encouraging them to take it on. This has proven especially beneficial for cases that might otherwise have been overlooked due to capacity constraints.
The project’s impact is palpable in individual stories. A Syrian member’s asylum application journey was eased by such initial legal advice, subsequently streamlining referral to a solicitor who had previously been reluctant to take on the case. Building on this success, the partnership aims to involve law students from the University of Bristol, expanding the scope to cover applications falling beyond legal aid provisions. The project seeks to provide a referral pathway for Exceptional Case Funding applications and Fee Waivers, empowering migrants to secure their immigration status without the need for a solicitor.
The Pro Bono Legal Project stands as a testament to collaborative innovation addressing critical gaps in legal aid services. By uniting BRR’s mission with Osborne Clarke’s expertise, vulnerable migrants are empowered with timely advice, enabling them to navigate complex immigration procedures. This case study underscores the potential of partnerships in creating meaningful change and improving the lives of those seeking refuge in the UK.