Ukraine-born solicitor offers pro bono help to war refugees

A Ukrainian-born solicitor practising in England has said it is her ‘duty’ to help her compatriots trying to rebuild their lives following the Russian invasion.

Iryna O’Reilly, who works for Manchester firm Barings Law, will help a select number of Ukrainian nationals escaping the conflict on a pro bono basis. The firm has set up a dedicated immigration department as part of its wider expansion, and O’Reilly will use this opportunity to support those who have left Ukraine to escape the fighting. 

‘It’s heart-wrenching watching the news to see places I used to go absolutely destroyed,’ she said. 'My family had to flee Ukraine last year and have not been able to return back home. My 10-year-old goddaughter and her family had to escape to a neighbouring village and hide in a cellar while sirens were going off.

‘With thousands of people displaced, families losing their loved ones or having to flee the war zone, I personally feel that it is my duty as a Ukrainian to assist those in need especially with legal paperwork which many will find difficult in a foreign language.’ 

O’Reilly moved to England more than 20 years ago. After graduating in law from the University of Manchester in 2010 she went on to qualify as a solicitor and barrister.

She had her own experience of the asylum system in 2016 when she needed to make a spouse visa application to start a new role in a different north-west firm. Delays in processing the paperwork forced her to turn the opportunity down.

‘The personal struggles I faced while building my life and career in the UK, have shaped who I am as a person and solicitor,’ said O’Reilly. ‘I always approach a case or a situation with compassion, understanding and fairness. I’m very thankful to Barings Law, who’ve given me opportunities I could never have imagined.’

Barings Law, founded in 2009, has more than 100 staff at its headquarters in Cardinal House. Up to now it has specialised in mis-selling and data breach claims.