Behind the walls of courtrooms lay countless individuals grappling with complex legal battles, often without the support and resources they desperately need. Becoming aware of this as a law student marked the beginning of my journey towards seeking solutions to address these systemic barriers to justice.

What was my Leadership In Action Project? 

I was project manager for 6 weeks at the Royal Courts of Justice (RCJ) and the Central Family Court (CFC) with a charity called Support Through Court. 

The ethos of Support Through Court deeply resonates with my core values and aspirations. Their unwavering commitment to bridging the gap and dismantling the obstacles that hinder access to justice is inspiring. By offering invaluable support and guidance before, during, and after court proceedings, Support Through Court empowers individuals to navigate the legal landscape with dignity and confidence. This meant coming into the RCJ 4 days a week to help give advice to clients, and work at the CFC on the 5th day to help out as a receptionist and ‘man the phone!’ 

How did I make an impact?

After shadowing former solicitors and barristers who advised clients, I began to give my advice to clients and take the lead in offering them support. This included going to court with clients, helping them to translate or fill out documents, and explaining the legal terminology in court documents. 

Sitting at the reception desk, I was more than a mere greeter. In both person, the phone, and the office email inbox, I was the first point of contact to potential clients, presenting an opportunity to be a beacon of hope. By explaining what we could and couldn't do to support clients, and managing their expectations, I instilled confidence and reassurance in, bridging a gap of inequity within the legal system. 

One highlight of this Leadership in Action Project was receiving chocolates from a client to thank me for my help. I had been working directly with a client who was in a difficult legal situation and required emotional and practical support throughout the court process. My task was to provide the client with clear, empathetic advice, ensure they understood the legal process, and assist with document completion and court-related queries. I ensured that I communicated effectively with the client, explaining legal terms, answering their questions, and offering both emotional support and practical help during their court visit. The client felt empowered and appreciated my assistance, which led to them sending chocolates as a token of gratitude, confirming that my work was not only valuable but had a positive impact on their experience during a stressful time. It was an opportunity to give back to the community and help those in need, having a huge impact not just on those around me but also on how I see myself. This moment reassured me that my role was much more than just fulfilling tasks; it was about making a tangible difference in people's lives, reinforcing the importance of giving back to the community and the personal fulfillment that comes with helping others.

During my time at Support Through Court, I implemented a feedback support group for volunteers, which I believe will have a lasting impact on the organization. This initiative created a structured space for volunteers to share their experiences, offer suggestions for improvements, and provide constructive feedback about their roles and the service provided to clients. By fostering an open dialogue between volunteers and management, this group will ensure that volunteers' voices are heard and their suggestions are integrated into future planning.

My main goal through my Leadership in Action Project was to help bridge the gap for those who need legal advice but did not have access to it. Overall, I felt I was very successful in this goal, as I managed to assist 158 people both in person, via email, and other the phone!

How have I grown as a leader and person?

At the beginning of my Leadership In Action Project, I set myself the goal to lead a group and further develop my leadership skills. I feel that I have been very successful in reaching this goal. 

This is because I had the opportunity to take on a leadership role as a Lead Volunteer during the project. This was a valuable lesson in personal growth and professional development. By being the lead person after the manager, I assigned client appointments to volunteers, aiding my organisational skills, autonomy, and customer development skills. These skills have helped me not only become a better leader but also a better team member. 

One thing I did not expect to learn from this project was how to lead those older than me. As the youngest volunteer, it was quite daunting assigning tasks to those much older than me. However, throughout my Leadership in Action Project, I had the opportunity to observe effective leadership that greatly influenced my own development. The staff and senior volunteers demonstrated a leadership style that was both approachable and inclusive, emphasising open communication and mutual respect. This approach inspired me to adopt a leadership style that focused on active listening, clear communication, and empathy. By fostering a collaborative environment where everyone’s opinions were valued, I was able to manage volunteers older than me with confidence and respect. This experience taught me that leadership is not about age or authority, but about creating trust and facilitating others’ growth, which helped me overcome my initial hesitations and grow more confident in my role as a leader.

As a law student currently studying Advanced tort law, this was also an opportunity to learn firsthand how the legal system and case law work in practice, offering a different dimension to my existing knowledge.

This opportunity has been a truly transformative experience, and I feel I have grown so much more as a leader and as a person. 

Thank you, Laidlaw!