UoL Refugee Law Clinic

Project Overview

The University of London (UoL) Refugee Law Clinic provides pro bono legal advice for appeal rights exhausted (ARE) clients based on a model of Clinical Legal Education for its diverse student body. Delivered in partnership with two law firms, the Refugee Law Clinic also provides the opportunity for lawyers to undertake pro bono work within the clinic. 

The clinic’s main legal focus is preparing and advising on fresh claims for asylum, an area identified as underserviced in the current legal landscape, and aims to complement the work of law firms and other service providers in London.

The Refugee Law Clinic contributes much-needed pro bono legal services to asylum seekers in London and develops partnerships towards this objective. From conducting a mapping exercise of the legal landscape in London, the area of fresh claims was found to be the greatest area of legal need. Providing such a service complements the work of law firms and help to fill a key gap in existing service provision.

Through its outreach activities the clinic also seeks to support a number of organisations through developing referral systems and providing legal awareness-raising.

Clinical Legal Education programmes are highly beneficial and formative for law students, developing experience and interest in social justice work. Law clinics also contribute to the legal landscape through test cases, research and reflection on law practice and reform.

About the Role 

Each year, around 50 UoL students (from the 10 participating Member Institutions) work in the clinic. Students work on cases in groups of up to four, alongside volunteer lawyers from commercial law firms, and under the direct supervision of the supervising lawyer. Students are trained in the relevant law and policy, as well as a range of other areas such as practical skills, ethics and professional responsibilities.

Students are involved in working on the various aspects of preparing a fresh claim submission for appeal rights exhausted asylum seekers. The work might include research, gathering evidence and drafting submissions, as well as interviewing and taking witness statements and reviewing past decision making. Students will also be involved in managing the administration of the clinic.

It is expected that students will work in the clinic for around a half-day per week for a period of up to one academic year.

The clinic is located in the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies building in Russell Square, London, however, in light of the changing Coronavirus regulations, the clinic will operate with a mixed model of virtual and face-to-face where appropriate. 

Focus of work

Initially, the primary focus of the clinic will be on Further Submissions for Fresh Claims for asylum.

Submitting a ‘fresh claim for asylum’ is the process by which a declined asylum-seeker seeks to advance further representations to make a fresh claim on the basis of important new factors (such as changed circumstances, additional evidence, etc.). A successful fresh claim can lead to a grant of refugee status or humanitarian protection. A claim that is accepted can also give rise to a further in country right of appeal. 

Training and Supervision Provided:

The Refugee Law Clinic is structured as a direct legal service provider and is regulated by the OISC. All work will be overseen by a supervising lawyer, supported by a coordinator and advice will be issued on the clinic’s letterhead and under the clinic’s supervising lawyer’s name.

All students will be expected to undergo training covering key information and skills including:

• Introduction to Asylum Law
• Fresh Claims in Practice
• Gathering and Assessing Evidence
• Practical Skills
• Working as a Lawyer 

Training is a mixture of pre-recorded videos, independent reading, and five 1-hour seminars. Training is compulsory and will start in September 2024. It will include 5 x weekly seminars. For an indicative outline of the training provided please see the

Outline for Student Training

Outline for Student Training

Eligibility and How to Apply: 

We welcome applicants from students going into Year 2 or the Final Year of their LLB.  Please complete this form to apply. The deadline for submissions is 11:59 pm on Sunday, 02 June 2024.

Please contact Ram Sabaratnam at Ram.sabaratnam.19@ucl.ac.uk if you have any questions or concerns.