Leicester Community Advice and Law Centre applied for law centre status in 2023.
A legal advice charity which has been helping people in Leicester and the wider county to resolve their legal problems for the last 45 years has become a law centre, joining a prestigious national network of specialist legal advice agencies that support some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in society.
Leicester Community Advice and Law Centre (formerly known as CALS) applied for law centre status last year and its application was unanimously approved in a ballot of existing members of the Law Centres Network. It becomes the 43rd member of the network, which campaigns for equal access to justice for all, lobbying at both local and national levels to policymakers and government.
The landmark moment was marked at a special event to celebrate the charity’s new status with a keynote address from Lady Hale, the first-ever female president of the Supreme Court and member of the House of Lords, in front of a packed audience.
Lady Hale said: “The law centre movement is the rule of law in action. Courts and tribunals are not as accessible as they should be. The justice system, under austerity, saw a greater level of cuts than any other department. The work which CALS does in supporting those most vulnerable to access their legal rights, is vital.”
Leicester City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, also spoke at the event, and welcomed the establishment of the new law centre as a positive development for the local community.
The law centre, based in Epic House, offers independent, confidential advice, casework and representation on a range of social welfare issues. Last year it helped people struggling with £16.2million in problem debt and put nearly £2.8 million back in the pockets of residents.
Its services include:
Specialist legal advice on debt, housing, welfare and benefits
Representation at Leicester County Court and at tribunals
Specialist immigration advice
Outreach services at community venues to reach vulnerable clients
Specialist energy advice
Liz Chahal, chief executive officer of the law centre, said: “Becoming a law centre is a hugely important milestone for CALS. It consolidates our reputation as a provider of high quality, specialist legal advice, and being part of the national network of law centres will undoubtedly make our voice stronger when it comes to advocating for our clients.”
Lord Willy Bach is chair of the board of trustees for the law centre, and a long-time campaigner for legal aid. He said: "There are shameful advice deserts across England and Wales. Advice centres have a record of helping people at a time in their lives when they most need it.
"This is a big step for Leicester Community Advice and Law Centre and one which we hope will help us continue to deliver for all our clients who desperately need legal help but cannot afford it. It is also an enormously positive development for the local community, and we are delighted to be able to establish a Law Centre in Leicester once again."
The launch event was held at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), as Deputy Head of DMU Law School, Brett Koenig, is a trustee of the new Law Centre. He said: "Becoming a Law Centre will undoubtedly enhance the support we provide to our clients and strengthen our ability to address the significant legal challenges faced by many in our community."
It's fantastic to see Leicester's legal charity transforming into a law centre and joining the national network! This move will undoubtedly enhance access to justice for many in the community. For students studying law, this development is a great opportunity to engage with real-world legal issues and gain practical experience. If you're working on a college assignment and need insights into community law services, this is a perfect case study. Seeking college assignment help to analyze such developments can provide a deeper understanding and improve your academic performance.