On Saturday 23 September 2023, FLAC organised the Ukraine Legal Information Clinic. The event aimed to bring legal information to members of the Ukrainian community in Ireland, as well as offer practical advice, and signpost useful resources and services. The event was attended by 60 participants, and comprised of five legal information sessions, during which attendees were able to ask questions and discuss.
The first session, entitled “Practical Tips and Tricks for Ukrainians in Ireland”, was delivered entirely in Ukrainian by Kateryna Andarak, Arthur Cox LLP Foreign Registered Solicitor. This presentation touched on driving licenses, finding employment, language courses, family reunification and temporary protection issues. Mykola Skvortsov, Associate at Arthur Cox, offered practical information on accessing housing and rights and obligations of hosts and of emergency accommodation providers.
“It was a big pleasure for me to share practical tips and my experience with Ukrainian people. I hope, they can be a valuable guide for anyone navigating the different aspects of life in Ireland.” – Kateryna Andarak
“Access to housing is a fundamental human right, and I believe that by sharing the insights on this topic, we can make a positive impact for Ukrainian people in Ireland.” – Mykola Skvortsov
“Arthur Cox was delighted to support the legal information session for Ukrainian people hosted by FLAC last week. This event was an excellent opportunity to meet with Ukrainian people and provide practical legal information. Equipping people with the legal information they need to make informed decisions is a key part of the Arthur Cox pro bono strategy.” – Carolann Minnock Of Counsel, Arthur Cox LLP Head Pro Bono.
FLAC’s Legal Officer, Christopher Bowes, delivered the presentation on social welfare entitlements and observed:
“The Ukraine Legal Clinic provided a valuable insight into legal need amongst Ukrainian refugees in Ireland. There is clearly significant scope for the development of a legal service tailored to meet that community’s needs. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to promoting access to justice. FLAC’s experience of our Traveller Legal Service, LGBTQI+ Legal Clinic and Roma Legal Clinic have demonstrated the significant benefits of dedicated and specialised legal services for marginalised groups – particularly those at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
The demand for basic legal information, advice and advocacy was a notable feature of the clinic. The present system of Civil Legal Aid in Ireland is largely focused on the provision of legal representation. Further, key areas such as housing and social welfare are excluded from the scope of the scheme. The current Civil Legal Aid review is a golden opportunity to transform the provision of public legal assistance in Ireland into a model focused on prevention and early intervention (i.e. the provision of services aimed at preventing legal problems arising, escalating and going to court). That model should also be flexible enough to ensure that the services provided can respond to the needs of specific communities – including through collaboration and coordination with organisations and services already embedded in those communities.”
The clinic also included an immigration law session, delivered by Róisín Fitzpatrick, Deloitte Irish Corporate Immigration Lead and FLAC Board member, which addressed the topics of temporary protection, residence and employment permits and naturalization. Legal information on family law matters such as registering births, enrolling children for education, domestic abuse, and temporary guardianship was provided by Lorraine Lally BL, who states:
“The Clinic was a wonderful opportunity for those in the legal profession to offer practical advice and support to those trying to access their legal entitlements in Ireland. The sessions were a wonderful exchange of knowledge and experience. I would like to thank all of those who travelled to attend. Gratitude also to the interpreters and translators who were invaluable in exchanging information.”
Pavlo Bogachenko, Senior Associate in DLA Piper Ireland LLP, supported the clinic and provided the crucial link between the practitioners ready to provide assistance and the members of the Ukrainian community who most needed the service. He stated:
“The FLAC/PILA Ukraine Legal Clinic is a great initiative. Given the number of participants, their questions and their engagement during the event, there is a growing demand for such events among the Ukrainian community in Ireland. Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection face new challenges every day and have many questions, not all of which can be answered as the implementation practice of the Temporary Protection Directive is only being formed after its activation by the EU Council Decision in March 2022.
Still, clinics like this help people to find at least some clarity on how to adapt and integrate into an unfamiliar legal system after being forced to flee their own country because of the war.”
FLAC and PILA wish to thank all involved in the organisation of the event, and are hoping to organise follow up clinics in the future.