By Florinda Soldani, Senior Associate, Dentons UK
When I recently re-joined Dentons after a stint away, I was keen to get involved in the firm’s pro bono work. So when the opportunity arose to take on a case with Kids in Need of Defense (KIND UK), through one of our pro bono partners, JustRight Scotland, I didn’t hesitate.
In a previous role, I volunteered with my local Citizens Advice Bureau. While I didn’t provide immigration advice, I worked with many people whose immigration status made it difficult for them to access public services. Citizenship is something most of us take for granted, but I saw first-hand how an uncertain immigration status can affect every part of a person’s life – from their education and employment prospects to their sense of belonging.
KIND’s work, in collaboration with JustRight Scotland and other not-for-profit organisations, helps children and young people access the expert legal support they need but could not otherwise obtain. That’s why I was so keen to contribute – to use my skills and the firm’s resources to help someone facing challenges no young person should have to face alone.
Working on my first KIND case has been hugely rewarding. Although immigration law isn’t my specialism, I discovered that my skills as a litigator could still make a real difference. With the support and expert guidance of the team at JustRight Scotland, I was able to identify what was needed to give our client the best possible chance of success.
Knowing that our work could help open up opportunities and allow our client to plan for their future was incredibly fulfilling.
For me, pro bono work is ultimately about access to justice. The immigration system can be complex and intimidating, particularly for young people, and especially if English is not their first language. The KIND project bridges that gap – connecting lawyers with transferable skills to specialist organisations like JustRight Scotland, who bring deep expertise in citizenship and immigration law. Together, we can help more people than either of us could on our own.
Collaboration is at the heart of this success. It extends the reach of KIND’s work and demonstrates what can be achieved when law firms and non-profits come together with a shared purpose.
I’m proud that Dentons continues to support projects like this and to play a part in helping young people secure a more stable and hopeful future. For me, the KIND partnership is a powerful reminder of why pro bono work matters – because access to justice should never depend on your circumstances.
