Hackney advice clinic’s founder Monika Sobiecki vents fury at legal aid cutbacks

The founder of Hackney’s legal advice clinic at the Hackney Winter Night Shelter has said their service has been faced with a growing number of clients because of the government’s continued legal aid cutbacks.

Monika Sobiecki said: “We are dealing with the sharp end of legal aid cuts.”

She added: “These people have nowhere to go. There is no support network left. It’s a pity the government doesn’t think it a priority to deal with the most vulnerable.”

The monthly legal advice centre was set up last October after a growing number of the Winter Night Shelter’s guests faced worries over legal matters.

Ms Sobiecki, a volunteer for the homeless shelter and a qualified lawyer, forged a partnership with LawWorks, an umbrella organisation for pro bono projects, and established the clinic.

Since its opening, both Islington’s Shelter from the Storm and a homeless shelter in South London have started their own legal advice centres modelled on Hackney’s.

The Winter Night Shelter closed at the end of March, but its legal advice service, which meets at the Hackney Community Law Centre, will remain open all year-round.