Lady Chief Justice Celebrates Opening of New Office for Central England Law Centre
Coventry, West Midlands – Yesterday, 22nd January, the Right Honourable the Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill, officially opened the new office of Central England Law Centre (CELC). The event was attended by local judges and representatives from Coventry University, the University of Warwick, and Birmingham City University.
Central England Law Centre, a member of the Law Centres Network, is a local charity that provides legal assistance to residents in the West Midlands. Its team of 45 legal professionals, including 11 trainee solicitors and 8 solicitors who qualified with the Law Centre, help approximately 10,000 people each year with information, advice, and representation.
The new office, located conveniently across from Coventry Combined Court, will serve as the home of CELC’s Coventry branch for at least the next ten years. The Law Centre also operates a branch in Tyseley, Birmingham.
Baroness Carr, the most senior judge in England and Wales, praised the Law Centre for its contributions to the legal profession and its dedication to helping local residents protect their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. She said, “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.”
CELC’s CEO, Elayne Hill, is also a sitting employment judge, and seven past team members have gone on to become judges. The Law Centre’s chair, Dr Sarah Raistrick, highlighted the partnerships that have contributed to its success, stating, “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.”
The Law Centre’s partnership with the local council has been instrumental in its origin and continued success. Julie Nugent, chief executive of Coventry City Council, spoke of the council’s support for the Law Centre and its important role in the community.
Central England Law Centre takes a holistic approach, acting as a legal hub to solve clients’ problems. One in five clients presenting with a legal issue are supported by multiple teams, helping them to resolve various aspects of their problems and to move from crisis to stability.
Next year, Central England Law Centre will celebrate its 50th anniversary of serving the local community. Its patron, former justice minister Lord Bach, reflected on this milestone during the event.
For media inquiries, please contact Matt Cary at Law Centres Network: matt@lawcentres.org.uk or +44 7387 325 615.
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