HCLC News

We are very pleased to announce that Hilton von Herbert, our superb Senior Immigration Caseworker, has been shortlisted in this year's Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards!!!!!

Hilton (pictured second left with client Kusi); Declan O’Callaghan, HCLC Patron and immigration barrister (far right); and Declan’s wife Jacqueline (centre) at HCLC's 2012 summer reception - has been shortlisted in the 'Immigration Lawyer' category.

With well over ten years of experience as an accredited Senior Caseworker and Immigration Supervisor, in the field of Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Law, Hilton joined Hackney Community Law Centre in April 2009, having previously worked at Cambridge Citizens Advice Bureau, Nucleus Legal Advice Centre and Lambeth Law Centre. Hilton qualified with a Law Degree from the University of London and has many years of experience in delivering training in Immigration Law.  

He has also been involved in some high profile parliamentary lobbying which has brought about significant changes in UK immigration law and undoubtedly benefited the lives of thousands of people. As a keen cyclist, Hilton has helped several charities including the British Heart Foundation and Barnados raise money and awareness for their campaigns by engaging in charitable cycle rides and fundraising events. He is fluent in Krio and he loves the study of anthropology.

Everyone at HCLC is over the moon at Hilton's achievement in being shortlisted. HCLC Chair Ian Rathbone said: “We are delighted Hilton has been shortlisted for a 2013 ‘Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year’ award.  Hilton von Herbert is a very dedicated senior immigration caseworker who has worked tirelessly for his clients and the people of Hackney.  In the four years since he began working at the Hackney Community Law Centre, Hilton has managed the entire immigration department, working on over 2500 cases, supervising the centre’s immigration training contracts, supporting and managing the Centre’s many interns and volunteers. In recent months - following staff redundancies as a result of the introduction of the Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 - Hilton has also been undertaking the work of HCLC’s immigration department single-handedly. There are now only two organisations in Hackney providing legal aid assistance in immigration and asylum law issues – one of which is HCLC.   Were Hilton von Herbert not in post at the Hackney Community Law Centre, the centre would be unable to continue offering legal advice and assistance in asylum and immigration law".

This year's Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards ceremony will be held on Tuesday July 2nd 2013 at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.