Arthur Cox has a long-standing philanthropic ethos. The firm incorporates pro bono work, volunteering, charitable activities and environmental conservation in its comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility policy. One component of this strategy is our partnership program with the Immigrant Council of Ireland Independent Law Centre. Since 2013, a number of trainees have undertaken secondments with the Council and, in July 2016, I commenced my placement!
With no prior knowledge of immigration law, my placement to date has been a baptism of fire. The breadth of work I have been involved with has surmounted my expectations, and has advanced my practical knowledge of various legal interactions. I have been involved with the research and administrative tasks related to casework and equally involved with client consultations, correspondence and submissions. I have had the opportunity to attend external training, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, and to engage with other civil society organisations on behalf of the Council at roundtable discussions. I have been fortunate to contribute to a shadow report to the UN monitoring body on Ireland’s compliance with international human rights under the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. I have been constantly engaged and excited by the tasks and by the people I have encountered and have been provided with a unique opportunity to expand my skill set and perspective. It is a privilege to work for an organisation that brings such pressing legal issues to the forefront of the political agenda and my secondment to date had been extremely satisfying, not least when the Law Centre receives a positive result on behalf of a client. My involvement to date has exposed me to the substantive operation of human rights law and increased my awareness of the genuine capacity of the law to function as an instrument of social change. This is an invaluable perspective I will take with me as I advance my career in the law!
The impact of the work of the Immigrant Council on the lives of individuals cannot be overstated. Support, advice and information is provided to thousands of service users each year. This work centres on the promotion of access to justice and the Council is committed to supporting individuals and families at a vulnerable stage in their lives. The level and scope of the work undertaken is broad and often relates to the complex issues surrounding victims of domestic violence, human trafficking and stateless persons. The Law Centre, as one component of the Immigrant Council, advises and represents migrants who are seeking to regularise their immigration status, rely upon their rights under domestic and EU law, and apply for citizenship. Anna* has previously been used in awareness raising campaigns by the Council and her case is illustrative of many clients with whom I have engaged since I started. Anna was a client of the Council for over six years and was represented initially in relation to revoking a deportation order that had been issued against her and in seeking permission to remain in Ireland. Subsequently the Law Centre acted for her in seeking family reunification, travel documentation and access to child benefit. Staff of the Law Centre typically navigate a range of matters and engage with a host of stakeholders including the consular and legal services of many countries, the Gardaí, immigration officials and external experts and make representations which have a critical effect on the lives of clients. The Law Centre focuses on strategic case work and engagement with legislators to achieve its objectives. The policy positions adopted and advocated at domestic and international level are identified and influenced by the real life experiences of clients.
In September, Arthur Cox and the Immigrant Council of Ireland received an award from Chambers Ireland in recognition of its partnership and commitment to providing pro-bono legal services through the creation of this programme. Having undertaken the placement I can see first- hand the reasons for such recognition!
* Pseudonyms to protect client identity and confidentiality.