Litigation friends needed for Migrant Mental Capacity Advocacy project

Migrants Organise is a charity based in Ladbroke Grove, London. Their Community Programme aims to provide holistic support to their members through mentoring programmes, legal support, welfare support, classes and activities. Last year they set up the Migrant Mental Capacity Advocacy (MMCA) project in response to the significant barriers to justice experienced by their members who suffer mental health issues and often lack the mental capacity to make decisions.

They have a panel of professionals consisting of an immigration barrister, a court of protection solicitor, Kesar & Co immigration solicitors, a neuro-psychiatrist, a qualified social worker, and an immigration/welfare advisor. For each referral, they come up with a bespoke support plan to achieve our two aims:

1. To help individuals in these situations access the service and support that they require
2. To gather evidence and strategically challenge the system, whether legally or through network building.

Advocates
The MMCA project is looking for advocates who can act either as a limited deputy or a litigation friend to make immigration decisions on behalf of their clients based on their best interests. In other words, their advocates would become the client in the case and would have to, among other things, to attend solicitor conferences and/or hearings.

The extent of the commitment varies significantly between cases, but they require at least 6 months’ commitment to ensure continuity. Advocates will be briefed on each case before choosing whether to accept it. Advocates will be provided with training and continued support by Migrants Organise. They work closely with their advocates and greatly welcome their various expertise.

They are seeking mainly qualified legal professionals and/or those who are working in the field of immigration or welfare in other capacities. They also require experience working with vulnerable individuals. Advocates will not be providing immigration advice.

Advocates’ time and expenses will be covered under the Legal Aid rates, although advocates are expected to offer some pro bono service if necessary (Migrants Organise can still cover reasonable expenses in this case).

If you are interested (or have further questions about the role / the MMCA project) please email your CV to our legal organiser, Brian Dikoff at brian@migrantsorganise.org