Lady Chief Justice Celebrates Opening of New Office for Central England Law Centre
Coventry, West Midlands – On Thursday, January 22nd, the Lady Chief Justice, The Right Honourable the Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill, officially opened the new office of Central England Law Centre (CELC). The ribbon-cutting ceremony marks a significant milestone for the local legal hub and its commitment to providing access to justice for the West Midlands community.
The Law Centre is one of the largest of its kind in the country, operating as a local charity and part of a national network of centers that employ lawyers to help residents protect their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. With a team of 45 legal professionals, the CELC provides information, advice, and representation to approximately 10,000 individuals each year.
In addition to its crucial role in providing legal services, the Law Centre has also been recognized for its contributions to the legal profession. The Lady Chief Justice praised the Law Centre for its efforts in helping individuals progress in their legal careers and strengthening the social welfare law profession.
The new office, conveniently located opposite Coventry Combined Court, was attended by senior local judges and is intended to be the home of Central England Law Centre’s Coventry branch for the next decade. The center also operates a branch in Tyseley, Birmingham.
The Law Centre’s CEO, Elayne Hill, who is also a sitting employment judge, spoke about the success of the Law Centre’s past team members, with seven going on to become judges after qualifying with the Law Centre. The center also collaborates with three local universities and has over 200 student volunteers who help deliver seven legal advice clinics.
Next year, Central England Law Centre will celebrate 50 years of providing justice for the local community. Reflecting on this legacy, the center’s patron, former justice minister Lord Bach, spoke at the opening event.
Partnerships have been key to the Law Centre’s success, particularly its collaboration with the local council. Julie Nugent, Chief Executive of Coventry City Council, spoke about the council’s support for the Law Centre and its background in the community.
One of the unique aspects of Central England Law Centre is its joined-up approach to solving clients’ legal problems. The center takes a holistic approach, addressing multiple issues that clients may be facing, and helping them move from crisis to stability. One in five clients presenting with a legal issue are supported by multiple teams.
In her address, Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr stated, “One of the most pressing and critical priorities of our justice system is ensuring fair and equal access to justice. And here is where this wonderful Law Centre comes in. It has never wavered from its focus on improving individual lives of those in the communities that it serves.”
Dr. Sarah Raistrick, Chair of Central England Law Centre, added, “Central England Law Centre’s new centrally located office is a symbol of its flourishing partnerships. The Law Centre is at the heart of an advice ecosystem which educates people about their rights, helps people to access them, and works to build a better society by changing the law. We are excited to build on our success in this new chapter.”
For more information about Central England Law Centre, please visit their website at https://www.lawcentres.org.uk/.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.