Opportunities: Volunteering with West London Equality Centre

I chose to volunteer with the West London Equality Centre to gain practical legal experience and be able to give back to the community. I really enjoy helping people and this experience has been thoroughly rewarding.  

During my time at WLEC, I have developed my writing skills through drafting letters as well as my communication skills through meeting with clients. While interviewing clients, I have had to think on my feet to determine what questions should be asked to gain a full understanding of a client’s matter which has further advanced my analytical skills. I have also gained so much confidence through the support and mentorship of the senior advisors at WLEC. I have developed an understanding of how to effectively problem solve and apply theoretical knowledge from my law degree to real-world situations.  

I have learned a lot through each week’s training which has included discrimination, benefits, safeguarding and housing presentations. I have worked on a few cases including housing, employment and benefits matters. In a benefits claim matter, the client had been incorrectly assessed as no longer qualifying for benefits and I drafted an appeal for her mandatory reconsideration. This matter gave me an insight into the common failings of the benefits system in the UK. I am very grateful to have been given the chance to run my own cases early on.