Oxford Legal Assistance is comprised of three different types of activity:

1. Clinics - each trainee attends clinics and directly engages with Turpin & Miller’s prospective clients. We conduct initial client interviews (‘taking first instructions’) and are briefed on strategies for their cases.
    
2. Research Tasks - we conduct research to support asylum claims and appeals. This involves researching the political, social, and economic factors affecting asylum seekers in various countries, looking for evidence that supports claims (to find a ‘well founded fear of persecution’). In many instances, research carried out by OLA trainees has been used in tribunal bundles. It can also aid with whether or not a case is retained by T&M as it informs the route of help the client needs
    
3. Training Sessions - we consistently receive training sessions, where Turpin & Miller case workers teach us about Asylum and Human Rights Law in the UK and international legal instruments. Sessions also revolve around legal skills, including targeted areas like learning a trauma-informed approach to client interaction, as well as touching on careers in Immigration Law and Legal Aid

At the end of the scheme, each trainee is given a certificate of completion by Turpin & Miller and the Law Faculty.

The scheme is run with the Oxford-based law firm, Turpin & Miller. Turpin & Miller is a multiple award-winning law firm and is the only law firm that supports asylum seekers in Oxford. Set up in 2002, the firm has a direct focus on immigration law and collaborates with Asylum Welcome to represent asylum seekers in Oxford. It is one of the few remaining that continues to provide legal aid services to support asylum claims and appeals. 

Four student trainees take on additional responsibilities and coordinate the scheme

Co-Chairs - The co-chairs oversee the overall success of the scheme. They are responsible for ensuring that trainees attend all sessions, organising the termly timetable and maintaining that trainees carry out work to a high standard. They also represent OLA at faculty level, attend meetings with the Vice Dean of the University, sit on the Undergraduate Pro Bono Committee, and have represented OLA and the University at relevant national conferences. Their role is to promote ongoing pro bono activities for undergraduates and be attentive to changes in sector, recognising any ways in which OLA can adapt to continue its role in supporting the local community.

Turpin & Miller Representative - The representative in charge of coordinating with Turpin & Miller, liaising with staff, particularly with the senior caseworker overseeing OLA from T&M, and ensuring that any concerns are addressed from both sides. They also aid the Co-Chairs in organising events and running recruitment in Trinity Term.

Social Media Coordinator - The coordinator is responsible for the social media presence of OLA, as well as ensuring there is up-to-date information accessible to provisional applicants. They also work on the committee to organise and support events across the year.

Current Committee