Pro Bono Alumni in Action

Moving back to Essex gave graduate Lucy Birch (LLB Law, 2011) the perfect opportunity to reconnect with the University and join the Essex Law Clinic as a pro bono family lawyer.

Essex Law Clinic provides free legal advice to the local community. It gives students hands-on experience while helping those who might otherwise struggle to afford legal representation and fair access to justice.

Choosing Essex

“I knew I wanted to be a solicitor from quite a young age, I loved the intellectual challenge and found the court system and judiciary really interesting. Essex stood out to me following an open day I attended. I loved the idea of a campus university and the course content really appealed to me. There were a great range of optional module topics including medicine and the law which I studied and really enjoyed.”

A career in family law

As an accredited specialist in family law with expertise in complex children matters, private adoption, and cases involving parental alienation, substance abuse, and domestic abuse, Lucy works with Essex students on family law cases, providing real-world insights that prepare them to become the next generation of lawyers.

Memorable cases

“There are a few cases that stand out, but one that has stayed with me was representing a grandmother in a contact dispute. She hadn’t seen her grandchildren in over two years, and the emotional toll was immense. We worked tirelessly to secure a court order that re-established contact, and the moment she was reunited with them was incredibly moving. It reminded me that behind every case is a human story, and that the law, when applied with care and compassion, can truly change lives.

“Another proud moment was an international adoption case I led. It involved complex legal hurdles, health challenges, and cross-border coordination. After more than two years of work, we secured an order that formally recognised the adoptive parents’ legal status. It was a long and difficult journey, but the outcome was deeply rewarding. Helping to build a family and knowing the stability and love that child would now experience was one of the most meaningful achievements of my career.”

Reconnecting with Essex

“When I moved to a firm closer to the University, I saw an opportunity to connect with the academic community and contribute in a meaningful way. As my career progressed and I took on more senior responsibilities, I found myself increasingly removed from the kind of direct, hands-on support that can make a real difference in people’s lives, especially for those who can't afford legal representation.

“Supporting the law clinic through pro bono work allows me to give back, not just professionally but personally. It’s a way of staying grounded in the values that drew me to law in the first place: fairness, access, and justice. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help individuals who might otherwise fall through the cracks, and to know that my experience can be used to empower others.”

But it’s not just the clients that Lucy’s helping, it’s the students who get to work with and learn from her expertise.

“It sounds cheesy but it is an honour to be supporting the next generation of lawyers! I know how it feels to be in their shoes and the challenges they face. So, if I can help in some way, that’s really rewarding for me. I am passionate about access to the profession and social mobility.”

Get involved with Essex Law Clinic

There are various opportunities to collaborate with the different law clinics working within Essex Law School. If you’re interested in making a difference, please contact Liz Fisher-Frank, Clinical and Experiential Legal Education Coordinator for more information. To get involved in supporting students more widely, visit our alumni volunteering page.