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We use the law to change people’s lives

At Law Centre NI, protecting people and their rights is at the heart of everything we do. We offer free, independent and specialist legal advice, casework and representation in the areas of social security, employment and immigration.

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Our areas of work

Our advisers provide free, confidential and specialist advice and legal support on social security, employment and immigration issues.

Social Security

Our social security team provides advice and representation to challenge unfair social security decisions.

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Employment

Our employment team provides advice and representation on employment issues.

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Immigration

Our immigration team provides advice and representation to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.

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Latest news

Keep up to date with all the latest news from Law Centre NI.

Asylum Claim Questionnaires - FAQ, Guidance for Support Organisations & Extension Request Template

On 23 February 2023, the Home Office introduced a new process of asylum claim questionnaires. The Law Centre has produced a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and a Legal Briefing for support organisations that provides information on the questionnaires and how to apply for a time extension.

Join the Law Centre NI Team - Legal Officer Posts

Do you want a fulfilling job with the opportunity to use your experience and legal skills to change people’s lives? Law Centre NI has an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Legal Officer.

Overpayments In Social Security & The Discretionary Waiver - Updated Guidance

A discretionary waiver is a mechanism, whereby in exceptional circumstances, DFC can exercise its discretion to 'waive' recover of all or part of an overpaid benefit. This has become more important following a change in law which, for the first time, allowed recovery of some overpaid benefits even in cases when the overpayment was caused by official error.

Asylum Claim Questionnaires - FAQ

On 23rd February 2023, the Home Office introduced a new system of asylum claim questionnaires. It is essential that asylum seekers respond to questionnaires within the deadline. Check out our FAQ for more guidance.

Right To Remain - Toolkit Festival

On Tuesday 21st February 2023, the Migration Justice Project at Law Centre NI welcome Right to Remain to Belfast for the first of their "Toolkit Festival" events - celebrating 10 years of their famous Toolkit.

Ukraine - One Year On

On the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine, Law Centre NI recognises the huge efforts made by The Executive Office, the voluntary sector and by individual sponsors to provide sanctuary to vulnerable Ukrainian refugees.

UPDATE: Amendments to Discretionary Waiver Guidance

A recent judicial review decision in Great Britain has emphasised the importance of adequate guidance and decision making on when to waive the recovery of overpaid benefits.

UPDATE: Law Changes For Bereaved Parents

Bereavement Support is now available to cohabitating parents following the death of their partner after a recent a change in the law.

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Law Centre NI blog

Read about our work and how we are making a difference to people's lives in Northern Ireland.

Retweet on Twitter Law Centre NI Retweeted

21 Mar

We marked International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination with friends at #Belfast City Hall.
Thanks to @BelfastCofSanct for organising.
#FightRacism 💪🏻💪🏼💪🏽💪🏾💪🏿

Other areas of our work

Policy

Read about our policy work in the areas of social security, employment and immigration.

Resource library

All our latest publications and resources in one place.

Professional learning

Are you an adviser? Enhance your skills and knowledge through our professional learning programme.

Quality

Quality of advice matters to us.

Group of people smiling putting their hands together

Read about the dynamic and pioneering work of our Migration Justice Project and the team’s dedication to helping refugees, asylum seekers and migrant communities in Northern Ireland.

Find out more about the Migration Justice Project

In 2022, Law Centre NI celebrates 45 years of working for social justice in Northern Ireland. During that time, we have helped thousands of people challenge decisions that affect their rights through free, independent and specialist legal advice, casework and representation.

+128%

Last year we gave 30,615 pieces of legal advice – an increase of 128% from the previous year.

583

We helped 583 clients with legal challenges during 2020-2021.

£890K

Last year we achieved over £890,000 in financial settlements for our clients.

Little girl resting her head on her dad's shoulder

Owen McCloskey from Law Centre NI went above and beyond in helping me with my case. Owen, to put it simply, was with me every step of the journey, showing an empathy and determination which eventually led to my case being more than satisfactorily resolved."

Michael O'Donnell

One of our clients

Winning the appeal has changed everything for me. Not only will I get the benefits I need, but the benefit cap has been lifted. Things have been so difficult for us, but now we can concentrate on our life and our health."

'Aminah'

Law Centre NI client

It is only now that I feel I can begin to lift my head from the stress and anxiety. Whenever I expressed my work situation to others, I felt that it fell on deaf ears until I came across you...You were able to listen to my situation, give me specific and relevant advice of my options and help me to see my case through in an unbiased manner."

'Peter'

A client who sought employment advice

We have nothing but praise for our Law Centre NI caseworker. We were inspired by her knowledge, honesty and work ethic. She was logical and so very professional in her approach and was thoroughly dependable. Thank you isn't enough. A 1000 'thank yous' wouldn't be enough."

Jacqueline

A client who got help with her PIP appeal