Celebrating 50 Years  

On Monday, November 18, 2024, South West London Law Centres (SWLLC) marked an extraordinary milestone—50 years of standing alongside our communities to ensure access to justice for all. Held at Canary Wharf, the evening brought together supporters, clients, and friends to celebrate our shared commitment to equality. With I. Stephanie Boyce, former President of the Law Society of England and Wales, as our esteemed guest speaker, the evening highlighted five decades of impact SWLLC has had since its formation in 1974. 

“For half a century, SWLLC has been at the forefront of legal aid, helping people in six boroughs navigate critical challenges such as housing, welfare, and immigration. The event was not only a celebration of our history but also a reminder of the ongoing demand for our services and the crucial role we play in addressing inequality.”  
Patrick Marples, CEO 

As we look forward, we’re calling on the government to address the systemic barriers to justice that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. This includes: 

• Reinstating robust legal aid policies to cover essential areas like housing, welfare, employment, debt, and immigration. 

• Securing core funding for Law Centres to sustain and expand vital services. 

• Investing in training the next generation of social welfare lawyers. 

At the same time, we need your help to continue this critical work. Whether it’s through regular donations, a one-off gift, or sharing our mission with your network, your support makes a real difference. Find out how you can help here. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate. We take immense pride in 50 years of standing alongside our community, offering support through life’s most challenging struggles.