Hackney Community Law Centre

Hackney Community Law Centre (HCLC) is a registered charity (charity number 1016171) based in London that provides free, independent legal advice and representation primarily to people living, working, or studying in the London Borough of Hackney and its surrounding areas. The organisation employs solicitors, caseworkers, and paralegals specializing in various areas of law including housing, immigration and asylum, and welfare benefits.

History and Purpose

HCLC was established to offer accessible legal support to low-income and disadvantaged individuals who might not otherwise be able to afford legal services. Its core mission is to ensure that local community members receive high-quality legal advice and representation to uphold their rights and access justice.

Services

The Law Centre provides specialist advice on:

• Housing issues, including eviction and homelessness
• Immigration and asylum cases
• Welfare benefits entitlements and disputes

Support is delivered through solicitors and experienced caseworkers who operate under strict quality controls to maintain high standards of legal service. The Supervising Solicitor at HCLC is regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority, ensuring compliance with professional obligations and ethical standards. HCLC is also a member of the Law Centres Network, a national association of similar community law centres.

Operations

HCLC operates an advice line for legal consultations, available from Monday to Wednesday, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, where callers can select options related to housing, immigration, or welfare benefits. Due to high demand, callers are sometimes advised to email or complete an online enquiry form if the phone lines are busy.

Governance and Staffing

The charity is managed by a board of trustees and supported by a team of around 10 employees including solicitors and caseworkers, alongside volunteers who assist with various functions. The organisation maintains transparency and accountability through timely charity reporting.

Impact

Each year, Hackney Community Law Centre assists thousands of residents in securing their legal rights, with over 3,000 people benefiting from its services recently. The centre also encourages community involvement through volunteering opportunities and donations to support its work.

This summary provides an overview of Hackney Community Law Centre as a key nonprofit legal support organisation serving the Hackney community and beyond.

[1] https://hclc.org.uk/about-hackney-law-centre/ [2] https://hclc.org.uk [3] https://www.hackneyadvice.org.uk/hackneycommunitylawcentre.php [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/1016171 [5] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/sector-data/top-10-charities/-/charity-details/1016171/contact-information