HCLC News

We are sorry to learn of the passing of Pip Salvador-Jones, who worked for HCLC for 13 years:
Law Centre stalwart Pip Salvador-Jones has passed away from cancer on 26th March 2026, after nearly 40 years working in Law Centres and advice agencies.

Passionate about social justice, Pip had Law Centres in her blood. She started at North Lewisham Law Centre in 1989 via the Black Articled Clerks scheme, a pioneering initiative to bring much-needed diversity into the profession. The commitment to opening up law to people from non-traditional backgrounds never left her.

Ian Rathbone, Chair of Hackney Community Law Centre, commented: "Pip spent 13 years as a solicitor in Hackney Community Law Centre. She worked alongside local people, visiting travellers' sites and squats, tenants' associations and disabled people's organisations, to discuss their concerns and translate them into legal strategies. She campaigned against the privatisation of Hackney council estates, and was at the forefront of early race discrimination cases in the Employment Tribunal. She was a great example of what is at the heart of the Law Centre movement - a seeker after justice, fairness and equality." 

Over the years, Pip was at the heart of the Law Centre movement's battles, campaigning and litigating to defend services. She also took on voluntary roles as trustee and then treasurer at the Law Centres Federation and Southwark Law Centre.

As CEO of Mary Ward Legal Centre, she initiated Young, Free and Legal, increasing access to advice for young people, and developed services in under-served outer London boroughs.

Most recently, Pip was Director of Citizens Advice Barking and Dagenham (CABD) for 15 years. She transformed CABD, bringing in legal aid contracts in family, housing and debt to serve one of the UK's most disadvantaged boroughs. She established new advice projects, notably one that responded to the increase in DV incidents during the pandemic and supported victims. She also chaired the local CVS and brought advice agencies together to fight cuts.

Pip had genuine passion for equality and expanding access to justice. Mentoring volunteers and staff, she emphasised listening to clients and bearing witness to their hardships. Alongside this, a friend also describes her as "unconventional, irreverent and very funny." She had been looking forward to celebrating Hackney Community Law Centre's 50th anniversary later this year. She will still be there in spirit.

Her partner Noelle Britton and friend Sue Willman aim to establish a Trust in her honour to support lawyers from non-traditional backgrounds into social justice work. For suggestions or to offer support, please contact them: sue.willman@bdcab.org.uk

Pip is pictured third from left in the photo.