The National Community Law Project CIC has been pivotal in addressing legal access issues for vulnerable communities in the UK.
- Founded by Dane Marks and Daniel Onafuwa, the project emerged from a shared commitment to justice and equality for marginalised individuals.
- Since its inception, NCLP has attracted numerous law students and graduates, offering them unique learning opportunities while building a support network for those in need.
- Directors Aaron Hunter, Hansam Yim, and co-founder Daniel Onafuwa share their experiences and the profound impact of their roles within the project.
- The project continues to grow, enabling access to legal resources internationally, fostering a culture of hope and assistance.
The National Community Law Project CIC emerged from a crucial need to address the limitations imposed by the LASPO ACT 2012, which had significantly restricted legal access for low-income and marginalised communities. The founders, Dane Marks and Daniel Onafuwa, sought to rectify this by creating an initiative focused on delivering legal support where it was most needed. Their efforts began during a time of political engagement and blossomed into a significant community support system.
Marks and Onafuwa’s vision materialised through the setup of an online platform, necessitated by the pandemic, which has successfully engaged over twenty law students and graduates from the outset. The switch to a virtual environment not only overcame pandemic-related challenges but also expanded outreach, enabling international participation and support.
Aaron Hunter joined the initiative as a volunteer paralegal in 2020, seeking practical legal experience. Now a director, Hunter notes that the project has reinforced his commitment to becoming a defence barrister, highlighting the critical role that defence plays as a check on state power. The project’s provision of continuous legal support in areas such as housing and family law underscores the diminishing accessibility due to legal aid cuts.
Hansam Yim, another key director, emphasises the importance of bridging the gap between the community and the legal profession. Yim details how NCLP has provided vital assistance to those entangled in housing, criminal, and benefits issues, effectively demonstrating the project’s essential role amidst the complexities of the legal landscape exacerbated by the pandemic.
Daniel Onafuwa, co-founder and director, reflects on the motivation stemming from a personal philosophy of using one’s abilities for societal betterment. The inception of NCLP was also a strategic response to the closure of numerous legal advice services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to accessibility, NCLP has facilitated over 300 international volunteers and numerous collaborations, thus ensuring continuous support for justice and equality.
The ongoing efforts of the National Community Law Project CIC exemplify a dedicated pursuit to bridge legal accessibility gaps, fostering a hopeful future for marginalised communities.
