Amidst the devastation wrought by the war in Ukraine, a Ukrainian-born solicitor is taking action to support asylum seekers, leveraging her own experiences to simplify the process.
- Iryna O’Reilly, who works for a Manchester-based firm, Barings Law, is driven by personal experiences with the UK’s immigration system.
- O’Reilly’s family escaped Ukraine due to missile attacks, a factor fuelling her commitment to aiding others in similar predicaments.
- Barings Law is expanding its reach, setting up a dedicated department to address immigration issues, a move O’Reilly welcomes wholeheartedly.
- O’Reilly expresses gratitude for her position at Barings Law, emphasising her commitment to fairness and understanding.
In the wake of the Ukrainian crisis, solicitor Iryna O’Reilly has emerged as a pivotal figure in aiding Ukrainian nationals seeking asylum in the United Kingdom. Inspired by her tumultuous personal experiences, she is making significant strides to simplify the asylum application process for those affected by the ongoing conflict. Her firm stance is that it is her ‘duty’ to assist, driven by the heart-wrenching situation faced by her family and compatriots back home.
O’Reilly, who has lived in England for over two decades, recounts the harrowing impact of the UK immigration system on her own life. After earning a law degree from the University of Manchester and qualifying as a solicitor, she faced a setback when delays in processing a spouse visa cost her a dream job. This personal ordeal fuels her resolve to create a more accessible and just process for asylum seekers today.
At Barings Law, where O’Reilly practices, there is an ongoing effort to expand its services to address immigration law comprehensively. This expansion includes establishing a dedicated department focused on the multifaceted challenges of immigration. O’Reilly is particularly moved by the firm’s commitment to this cause, as it offers her a platform to deliver much-needed pro bono legal assistance to Ukrainians, case by case.
She describes the ongoing destruction in her homeland with a palpable sense of loss and urgency. Her family’s forced evacuation from Ukraine and their subsequent plight have intensified her drive to help. O’Reilly recounts the ordeal of her 10-year-old goddaughter, who had to seek refuge in a cellar amid bombings, highlighting the real and personal stakes involved.
O’Reilly emphasises the role of language barriers in complicating legal processes for refugees. As a Ukrainian-speaking solicitor, she acknowledges the vital impact her expertise can have, affirming that Barings Law’s initiatives can drastically improve the lives of many Ukrainians as they attempt to rebuild amidst the chaos.
O’Reilly’s commitment underscores an urgent need for compassionate legal support for refugees in dire circumstances.
