On 29 June 2023, Queen Mary Legal Advice Centre (QMLAC) Alumni and supporters came together for its third annual celebration to network, hear about the Centre’s current work and future plans, and to recognise the outstanding contributions of the QMLAC’s newest fellows, HHJ Simon Freeland, HHJ Heather Baucher, Gregg Burrow, and Mark Pring.
At the reception, HHJ’s Freeland and Baucher were awarded QMLAC fellowships to mark their longstanding and critical contributions to the Centre’s work over many years. Gregg received his fellowship in recognition of having provided above and beyond supervision and support to student legal advisors in the area of special educational needs, and Mark Pring was honoured for his pivotal role as Pro-Bono partner at Reed Smith over the last 5 years, a firm which has provided significant help and assistance to the QMLAC since its inception.
Since the QMLAC opened its doors in 2006 the centre has grown from strength to strength. In 2022/2023 the centre handled over 2,000 client queries, with over 320 student legal advisors offering them free legal advice in over 30 different legal areas. At the event, QMLAC Director Fran Ridout emphasised that the Centre’s sphere of impact encompasses students, the wider School of Law and the surrounding area of Tower Hamlets. The work that the QMLAC does has been vital to the local community and this is being recognised in the Centre moving to a new and dedicated space over the next couple of years. This redevelopment within the Mile End Campus means that the QMLAC’s vital public engagement work can continue to expand and be of benefit to the surrounding area and community.