Sarah Sackman is bringing together volunteer lawyers to help her constituents reports Ellie Bennett

The first pop up legal advice session – (Credit – Office of Sarah Sackman MP)

Constituents in Finchley and Golders Green are now able to receive free legal advice as part of a new initiative set up by their local MP.

Sarah Sackman and her team hosted their first pop-up advice centre earlier this month in Childs Hill, with local residents invited to the event at the Jewish Vegetarian Society building in Finchley Road.

These events will offer expanded access to free legal advice within Finchley and Golders Green, bringing together lawyers from the local community who are volunteering their time to provide advice. It gives residents who do not have access to legal aid the chance to seek support.

Sackman has been the Labour MP for Finchley and Golders Green since 2024 and is currently minister of state at the Ministry of Justice. Her first job as a young lawyer was volunteering at the free Legal Advice Centre in Toynbee Hall in the East End.

She says that it was there where she learnt the power of accessible justice and the difference it can make in people’s lives, helping individuals navigate through a range of issues from housing matters to immigration issues.

She said: “Access to justice should not be determined by how much money you have. I know from my own experience the importance of making legal aid accessible. I am proud to see our community turning out to help each other, using their skills and knowledge as a practical force for good”.

At the first event, residents were given help with understanding their rights and what resources are available to them. The sessions focused on issues related to families, housing and employment law.

Mia, a constituent who received free legal advice, said: “This event was really helpful for me. I’ve been experiencing ongoing issues in a criminal case and having someone listen and explain all my options made a real difference. I felt heard and supported and am now ready to take the next steps.”

Moira, a criminal solicitor and volunteer, added: “It was very rewarding to be able to give back to the community. Many people don’t realise their rights and the options available to them, and being able to help bridge that gap is exactly what important initiatives like this are about.”

This initiative comes at a time when access to legal support is limited and constituents regularly write to Sackman about legal issues they are facing in their home or workplace, without a clear route to resolve it. This pop-up is hoped to be the first of many to tackle the problem.

To find out about the next session or register for free legal advice go to:

Free Legal Advice Centre

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