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Law Centre NI's policy advocacy in the area of Brexit focuses on the implications of the UK's departure from the EU for EU and EEA nationals and their families. We have collaborated with the Institute for Conflict
http://lawcentreni.org/policy-advocacy/brexitWe aim to maximise access to legal advice and representation through, for example, promotion of ‘social welfare lawyering’. In particular we focus on: community legal servicesadvice and information outreachpublic legal
http://lawcentreni.org/policy-advocacy/access-to-justiceSince 1977, Law Centre NI has delivered free and independent legal services in social welfare law areas. We work to promote social justice in Northern Ireland, using the law as a tool for social change. Our services are
http://lawcentreni.org/about-us/law-centre-niMember benefits In addition to access to all of our legal assistance services, our members receive the following benefits: Priority booking for training and eventsReduced fees for training and events Frequent updates
http://lawcentreni.org/about-us/become-a-memberIf you'd like to join our team, check out details of any job vacancies in our Careers section.
http://lawcentreni.org/about-us/meet-the-teamAlthough every effort is made to ensure the information on these pages is accurate and up-to-date, we cannot be held liable for any inaccuracies and their consequences. The information should not be treated as a
http://lawcentreni.org/disclaimerLaw Centre NI is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and all personal data we hold is held in accordance with EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In compliance with GDPR, personal data may
http://lawcentreni.org/data-protection-confidentiality-policyWe work across a range of settings to promote and enhance employment rights, and developments in law, policy and practice.Particular interests in the area of employment include: employment rights of agency
http://lawcentreni.org/policy-advocacy/employmentOur policy advocacy in health and social care focuses on protecting and enhancing social care rights in NI. We seek to bring about progressive change in law, policy, and practice in relation to: transitions in care,
http://lawcentreni.org/policy-advocacy/health-and-social-careOur policy advocacy in this area focuses on protecting and promoting human rights of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees. Particular policy priorities include: preventing destitutionaccess to public services for
http://lawcentreni.org/policy-advocacy/immigrationWe provide advice on a range of areas of employment law including: DiscriminationEmployee rightsEmployment statusRedundancyTransfer of employment (Transfer of Undertakings/Service Provision Change)Tribunal proceedings
http://lawcentreni.org/how-we-help/about-our-service-1Enforcement of Judgments Office The Enforcement of Judgments Office (EJO) is a centralised unit for enforcing civil judgments related to the recovery of money, goods and property of the courts. In some circumstances the
http://lawcentreni.org/how-we-help/important-contactsLaw Centre NI’s health and social care hub runs a specialist advice line and representation service providing free legal advice and assistance to adults: Who have needs due to physical or mental disability, ill health
http://lawcentreni.org/how-we-help/about-our-service-1-1The social security hub at Law Centre NI advises on the law relating to social security benefits, and provides representation before the Social Security Commissioners and/or at Social Security Appeal Tribunals. We
http://lawcentreni.org/how-we-help/about-our-serviceOur immigration and asylum hub advises on the law relating to EU free movement laws, family migration options, asylum and nationality laws. The hub also provides representation before the Tribunals (Immigration and
http://lawcentreni.org/how-we-help/about-our-service-2Extern NI: 028 9033 0433 The team work intensively with refugees during the 28 day notice period given to move out of NASS accommodation and provide medium to long term specialist and practical support and advice to
http://lawcentreni.org/how-we-help/important-contacts-1This OCN NI Level 3 Certificate in Generalist Advice qualification has been designed to develop learners’ skills to equip them to effectively provide advice to the public. This Certificate equips learners to provide
http://lawcentreni.org/training-events/ocn-ni-level-3-certificate-in-generalist-adviceThe Social Security hub at Law Centre NI seeks to produce resources to support advisers in their day-to-day work on the advice sector frontline. Resources include our e-bulletin, adviser guides, and resource sheets.
http://lawcentreni.org/how-we-help/information-for-advisersThe Law Centre NI and Age NI organised a Roundtable on Adult Social Care (12 December) to bring together experts in social care, including policy makers, commissioners and experts by experience. The purpose was to
http://lawcentreni.org/news/roundtable-on-adult-social-care-putting-human-rights-at-the-centre-of-transformationIn December 2018, Advice NI, Housing Rights and the Law Centre NI launched a joint report which highlights the approaching 2020 ‘cliff edge’ when funding for the mitigation package agreed as part of the Fresh Start
http://lawcentreni.org/news/mitigations-on-a-cliff-edgeThe government has laid out its proposals for the transfer of 3 million claimants from legacy benefits to Universal Credit (UC) in the draft Universal Credit (Managed Migration) Regulations 2018. Law Centre NI has
http://lawcentreni.org/news/universal-credit-protecting-claimants-through-the-managed-migration-processThere are currently no jobs being advertised. If you would like to volunteer your help or gain experience at a busy law centre, we are always looking for admin support for front desk, communications and finance. Please
http://lawcentreni.org/careersProfessor Eileen Evason, Chair of the Welfare Reform Mitigations Group, at Law Centre NI's seminar on welfare reform in January 2016. Here she discusses the recommendations of the Mitigations Group.
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/law-centre-ni-welfare-reform-seminar-2016-prof-eileen-evasonDr Gráinne McKeever of Ulster University's School of Law and the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) was a keynote speaker at Law Centre NI's seminar on welfare reform in January 2016. She presents the work of
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/law-centre-ni-welfare-reform-seminar-2016-dr-grainne-mckeeverLes Allamby, Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, was a keynote speaker at Law Centre NI's seminar on welfare reform in January 2016. Here, he argues for a human rights approach to social
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/law-centre-ni-welfare-reform-seminar-2016-les-allambyMembers of the Refugee and Asylum Forum tell us what can be done to address some of the severe difficulties faced by asylum seekers and refugees in Northern Ireland. They call on MPs to work for progress on these
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/welcoming-refugees-in-northern-ireland-what-can-mps-do-to-helpThis film is part of a series of of five short films about what members of Refugee and Asylum Forum think Northern Ireland's MPs could do to help refugees and asylum seekers. It was made during Refugee Week 2016. Watch
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/refugees-and-asylum-in-northern-ireland-what-can-mps-do-3-travel-problemsThis film is part of a series of of five short films about what members of Refugee and Asylum Forum think Northern Ireland's MPs could do to help refugees and asylum seekers. It was made during Refugee Week 2016. Watch
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/refugees-and-asylum-in-northern-ireland-what-can-mps-do-4-family-reunionThis film is part of a series of of five short films about what members of Refugee and Asylum Forum think Northern Ireland's MPs could do to help refugees and asylum seekers. It was made during Refugee Week 2016. Watch
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/refugees-and-asylum-in-northern-ireland-what-can-mps-do-2-refugee-transitionThis film is part of a series of of five short films about what members of Refugee and Asylum Forum think Northern Ireland's MPs could do to help refugees and asylum seekers. It was made during Refugee Week 2016. Watch
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/refugees-and-asylum-in-northern-ireland-what-can-mps-do-1-destitutionThe first in a series of five short films about what members of Refugee and Asylum Forum think Northern Ireland's MPs could do to help refugees and asylum seekers. It was made during Refugee Week 2016. Watch the other
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/refugees-and-asylum-seekers-in-northern-ireland-what-can-mps-do-introductionPart 2 of a Digital Guide published by Law Centre NI to assist individuals without representation appealing a decision on a Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This part of the guide provides an opportunity to view a
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/law-centre-digital-guide-pip-part-2Part 1 of a digital guide published by Law Centre NI to assist individuals without representation appealing a decision on a Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This part of the guide explains how to prepare for an
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/law-centre-digital-guide-pip-part-1As a result of the UK referendum vote to leave the European Union (EU) in June 2016, many EU and EEA nationals and their families are concerned about their right to remain in Northern Ireland. Law Centre’s Immigration
http://lawcentreni.org/policy-advocacy/brexit-1Following the UK referendum vote to leave the European Union (EU), many EU and EEA nationals and their families are concerned about their right to remain in Northern Ireland. The Institute for Conflict Research’s
http://lawcentreni.org/policy-advocacy/brexit-case-studiesWhat is settled status? As a result of Brexit, EU citizens living in the UK need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme if they want to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021. Who needs to apply for settled status?
http://lawcentreni.org/policy-advocacy/settled-status-and-how-to-applCentre for Cross Border Studies / Border People The Border People website (a resource provided by the Centre for Cross Border Studies) provides practical information for people crossing the border to live, work, study
http://lawcentreni.org/policy-advocacy/useful-contacts-and-resources-1We have gathered contact details for your MPs, MLAs, MEPs, and a range of other politicians working on, or with a special interest in, Brexit issues. You may wish to contact these politicians to make your concerns
http://lawcentreni.org/policy-advocacy/contact-your-local-political-representative-1Law Centre NI is part of a broad coalition of over 50 organisations concerned about the cessation of the current welfare reform mitigations in Northern Ireland (NI). Launched this week, the Cliff Edge NI Coalition aims
http://lawcentreni.org/news/cliff-edge-ni-coalition-launchedA video briefing on forced labour and labour exploitation. Ursula O'Hare discusses the issues with Kasia Garbal and Daire Murphy.Produced by NVTV.
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/forced-labour-and-labour-exploitation-2015A video briefing on what Northern Ireland's people and politicians can do to support refugees, including information on the 5 Actions and SAFER? campaign.Produced by NVTV.
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/immigration-asylum-and-trafficking-welcoming-syrian-refugees-to-ni-2015Law Centre NI hosted a social security workshop led by Michael Orton (University of Warwick) on 20 June 2019. The workshop was part of a calendar of workshops taking place across the UK.The aims of the workshops were:
http://lawcentreni.org/news/event-re-imagining-the-social-security-systemElizabeth Griffith and Lee Hatton from Law Centre NI join Ursula O'Hare in the studio to talk about Welfare Reform and the changes taking place.
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/social-security-welfare-reform-2016Law Centre NI has welcomed a new report from the Westminster All Party Parliamentary Group on Terminal Illness that looks at the legal definition of terminal illness. The report looks at how the law determines a
http://lawcentreni.org/news/six-month-rule-outdated-and-hurting-the-most-vulnerableLaw Centre NI is recruiting for three exciting new positions to add to our team. If you are interested in being part of an exciting team of legal and policy advisers at the Law Centre, using your legal skills and
http://lawcentreni.org/news/join-our-teamThis one day course familiarises you with the structure of the current benefits system in Northern Ireland, categories of benefits and the basic principles of disputing a benefit decision. Date: Delivered over 1 day
http://lawcentreni.org/training-events/benefits-for-non-benefits-advisers-introductoryThis single day course covers everything from establishing who can claim PIP and best practice when completing a PIP form, right through to guidance on how to dispute an unfavourable decision. Date: Delivered over 1
http://lawcentreni.org/training-events/understanding-pip-the-essentials-introductoryThis one day course considers emerging issues and advises on tactics, including effectively using case law to dispute decisions. Date: Delivered over 1 day Wednesday 9th October Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm Venue: Law Centre
http://lawcentreni.org/training-events/challenging-social-security-decisions-intermediateOver two days, the course will focus on specific client groups and will explore how the changes to legacy benefits and the introduction of Universal Credit impact these groups. Date: Delivered over 2 days Tuesday 22nd
http://lawcentreni.org/training-events/welfare-rights-refresher-intermediateA look at residential care options, delivered alongside Housing Rights NI. Decisions regarding remaining at home or seeking to move into residential care are difficult. This one day course will investigate help
http://lawcentreni.org/training-events/financing-residential-care-intermediateThis one day course focuses on the operation of the right to reside, habitual residence and past presence tests in social security benefits, also covering how recent changes have impacted on EEA nationals and their
http://lawcentreni.org/training-events/migrants-benefits-intermediateThis half day course looks at requesting medical evidence and using up to date case law & practice to support your client. Date: Delivered over a 1/2 day Thursday 5th December Time: 10.00am to 1.00pm Venue: Law
http://lawcentreni.org/training-events/masterclass-using-medical-recordsThis half day masterclass gives you an understanding of the main rules for people whose health or disability limits their ability to work and provides tactics to help overcome common problems. Date: Delivered over a 1/2
http://lawcentreni.org/training-events/masterclass-work-capability-assessment-intermediateThis course looks in detail at some of the areas of dispute that UC claimants face and equips advisers with the knowledge to effectively deal with these issues. Date: Delivered over 2 days Wednesday 27th & Thursday
http://lawcentreni.org/training-events/universal-credit-complex-cases-advancedAdvisers deal with complex areas of social security law every day. This day long training session explores how to challenge decisions and prepare cases for appeal using legislation and case law. Date: Delivered over 1
http://lawcentreni.org/training-events/using-esa-pip-case-law-advancedIn this highly interactive two day course, video review is an integral part of the learning process to develop skills in presentation & advocacy. Date: Delivered over 2 days Tuesday 21st & Wednesday 22nd January
http://lawcentreni.org/training-events/enhanced-advocacy-advancedThis OCN NI Level 3 Certificate in Generalist Advice qualification has been designed to develop learners’ skills to equip them to effectively provide advice to the public. This Certificate equips learners to provide
http://lawcentreni.org/training-events/ocn-ni-level-3-certificate-in-generalist-advice-derry-londonderryThis OCN Level 4 course is designed to help advisers represent clients at Social Security appeals. Who should attend? The qualification is aimed at advisers who have knowledge of social security benefits and who wish to
http://lawcentreni.org/training-events/ocn-level-4-certificate-in-tribunal-representation-belfastLaw Centre NI is working alongside Mencap NI and the All Party Group on Learning Disability to carry out research on Personal Independent Payment (PIP). As part of the project a survey is being conducted to understand
http://lawcentreni.org/news/pip-research-to-influence-future-policy-decisions-in-niLaw Centre NI delivers a diverse range of training courses that aim to help learners get the best for their clients. The courses are tailored to suit different levels - from beginner through to advanced - and cover
http://lawcentreni.org/news/expert-training-to-improve-your-skills-and-knowledgeLaw Centre NI offers a range of accredited and non-accredited training to suit your training needs. Take a quick glance at the full range of courses on offer here. You can book current courses online or by emailing our
http://lawcentreni.org/training-events/accredited-and-non-accredited-training-to-suit-your-training-needsLaw Centre NI offers a range of accredited and non-accredited training to suit your training needs. Take a quick glance at the full range of courses on offer here. You can book current courses online or by emailing our
http://lawcentreni.org/training-events/accredited-and-non-accredited-training-to-suit-your-training-needs-1Law Centre NI’s Annual conference is the place to be for expert and informed conversations on social security law and practice. This year’s conference ‘The Future of Social Security’, being held on Thursday 24th
http://lawcentreni.org/news/law-centre-nis-annual-conference-the-future-of-social-security-begins-to-take-shapeLaw Centre NI is once again lined up to host a placement through the Justice First Fellowship (JFF). This is the second such fellowship hosted by Law Centre NI. The opportunity reinforces Law Centre NI’s determination
http://lawcentreni.org/news/law-centre-ni-justice-first-fellowship-opportunity