Student Spotlight: Volunteering at the UCL Integrated Legal Advice Clinic

Nicole Tan

1. What is your Name and Year of Study? My name is Nicole, and I'm currently in my third year of study.  

2. What’s your favourite book/film/or song? I don't really have any favourites, it changes from time to time! 

3. Favourite London Location Covent Garden or Shoreditch! 

4. What made you decide to take part in pro bono at UCL Laws? 

I decided to take part in pro bono at UCL Laws because I thought it would be a great opportunity to allow me to see how I could use what I have studied in law school to help the less privileged in our society. In addition to that, as an international student, I felt that taking part in pro bono would also give me an insight into pertinent legal issues in the UK. 

5. What has been your most memorable experience volunteering at UCL iLAC?

My most memorable experience volunteering at UCL iLAC was when a client came to drop off a thank you card she had made for the advisors and staff at the clinic. Seeing how grateful she was and how much her situation had improved since receiving help from the clinic really showed me the impact pro bono can have on an individual's life. 

6. Why do you think students should do pro bono work?

I think students should do pro bono work because it really shows how what we have learnt from law school is and can be applied in practice to help the less privileged in society. Doing pro bono work makes you aware of how many people actually need legal advice/help but cannot afford it, and how as law students, we have the power to make a difference in their lives. Aside from that, it also exposes you to other areas of law that you might not have had the chance to explore in school. 

7. What are your plans for the future?

At the moment, I plan to return to Singapore to take the bar after graduation. I also hope to be able to continue doing pro bono work even after I start work. 

Echo Huang

1. What is your Name and Year of Study?

Echo Huang, 2nd Year LLB

2. What’s your favourite book/film/or song?

My current favourite song is ‘Waves’ by Dean Lewis!

3. Favourite London Location

Regents Park and Primrose Hill – super close to my flat, and both beautiful places to go for a run or a picnic!

4. What made you decide to take part in pro bono at UCL Laws?

I chose to take part in pro bono at UCL Laws largely because as a fresher, I wasn't aware of other opportunities! I had heard about iLAC through my course, and after hearing past clients speak about their experiences, it was something that genuinely sparked my interest. I decided to continue volunteering this year because I greatly enjoyed my experience in first year, and it was something I could commit to alongside my studies.

5. What has been your most memorable experience volunteering at UCL iLAC?

It’s always lovely hearing from clients about how our work has genuinely had a life-changing impact; but my most memorable experience was of a client who brought in one of his paintings for us. This was one of the first times I got the opportunity to sit in on a client interview, and we talked about all his paintings which he now sells online. It was a touching experience to actually get to know the client and his backstory, which doesn’t happen often when you’re stationed at the reception desk, watching people pass through.

6. Why do you think students should do pro bono work?

It’s a great way to gain legal work experience from early on in university – because pro bono clinics are often overloaded with work, you’ll be tasked with a lot of responsibility very quickly, and this is the best way to learn! It’s also an excellent way to integrate into the local community, and to see London in all it’s stark reality. And for those still navigating different types of law, doing pro bono work will help you narrow down your options; this is what iLAC offered me. 

7. What are your plans for the future?

Volunteering at iLAC has made me realise that I need to be able to work with clients on an individual basis. I plan to return to Sydney after I graduate and commence training as a solicitor at a personal injury firm I previously worked at.