Free Representation Unit
@freerepunit.bsky.social
Relieving poverty by training aspiring lawyers to represent clients in tribunal hearings for free. Please support us at https://www.thefru.org.uk/donate
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Hello to all our new followers on BlueSky.
Here's the lowdown on what we do. We'll post updates on our work and future developments.
Here's the lowdown on what we do. We'll post updates on our work and future developments.
Reposted by Free Representation Unit
Simon Haywood, civil litigation pupil barrister at 3PB Barristers, has written for the Bournemouth & District Junior Lawyers Division on ‘Life After Your Law Degree: A Barrister's Guide’.
Please read more here: www.3pb.co.uk/life-after-y...
Please read more here: www.3pb.co.uk/life-after-y...
February 11, 2026 at 9:01 AM
Simon Haywood, civil litigation pupil barrister at 3PB Barristers, has written for the Bournemouth & District Junior Lawyers Division on ‘Life After Your Law Degree: A Barrister's Guide’.
Please read more here: www.3pb.co.uk/life-after-y...
Please read more here: www.3pb.co.uk/life-after-y...
Reposted by Free Representation Unit
Good morning from a drizzly London for our first #BarCouncil meeting of 2026. Chair of the Bar @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social welcomes everyone to the meeting. We’ll be sharing highlights and key points in this 🧵
February 7, 2026 at 10:02 AM
Good morning from a drizzly London for our first #BarCouncil meeting of 2026. Chair of the Bar @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social welcomes everyone to the meeting. We’ll be sharing highlights and key points in this 🧵
#WinOfTheWeek Our work in the Upper Tier tribunal is important for our clients, wider society, our volunteers and the judiciary.
To help us continue this work please donate at www.thefru.org.uk/donate
#WeDoProBono
To help us continue this work please donate at www.thefru.org.uk/donate
#WeDoProBono
February 6, 2026 at 8:55 PM
#WinOfTheWeek Our work in the Upper Tier tribunal is important for our clients, wider society, our volunteers and the judiciary.
To help us continue this work please donate at www.thefru.org.uk/donate
#WeDoProBono
To help us continue this work please donate at www.thefru.org.uk/donate
#WeDoProBono
Reposted by Free Representation Unit
No joke: I got angry hate mail today for writing an obituary of a Black woman scientist—because the person felt she did didn’t deserve the recognition.
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Gladys Mae West obituary: mathematician who pioneered GPS technology
She made key contributions to US cold-war science despite facing huge barriers as a Black woman.
www.nature.com
February 6, 2026 at 9:09 AM
No joke: I got angry hate mail today for writing an obituary of a Black woman scientist—because the person felt she did didn’t deserve the recognition.
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Free Representation Unit
More than 1 in 10 employers stripped of their licence had it reinstated to continue hiring - and exploiting - migrants. Shameful. Is the Home Office operating with its eyes closed?
These employers must be fined, and that money must be used to compensate victims.
www.thetimes.com/uk/crime/art...
These employers must be fined, and that money must be used to compensate victims.
www.thetimes.com/uk/crime/art...
Home Office lets rogue firms regain licences to sponsor migrant visas
Employers targeted in a government ‘crackdown’ on abuse of the skilled work system are routinely being granted fresh approvals, Times analysis reveals
www.thetimes.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:55 PM
More than 1 in 10 employers stripped of their licence had it reinstated to continue hiring - and exploiting - migrants. Shameful. Is the Home Office operating with its eyes closed?
These employers must be fined, and that money must be used to compensate victims.
www.thetimes.com/uk/crime/art...
These employers must be fined, and that money must be used to compensate victims.
www.thetimes.com/uk/crime/art...
Reposted by Free Representation Unit
🎙️New Transform Justice Podcast episode out tomorrow!
In the meantime, have you listened to our most recent episode? @penelopegibbs.bsky.social and @robroballen.bsky.social look back through 2025: the reforms, debates and missed opportunities that shaped the year. 🎧 Listen now: pod.fo/e/374dde
In the meantime, have you listened to our most recent episode? @penelopegibbs.bsky.social and @robroballen.bsky.social look back through 2025: the reforms, debates and missed opportunities that shaped the year. 🎧 Listen now: pod.fo/e/374dde
February 5, 2026 at 11:44 AM
🎙️New Transform Justice Podcast episode out tomorrow!
In the meantime, have you listened to our most recent episode? @penelopegibbs.bsky.social and @robroballen.bsky.social look back through 2025: the reforms, debates and missed opportunities that shaped the year. 🎧 Listen now: pod.fo/e/374dde
In the meantime, have you listened to our most recent episode? @penelopegibbs.bsky.social and @robroballen.bsky.social look back through 2025: the reforms, debates and missed opportunities that shaped the year. 🎧 Listen now: pod.fo/e/374dde
Reposted by Free Representation Unit
Useful timeline of when different bits of the Employment Rights Act will take effect. www.gov.uk/government/p...
Plan to Make Work Pay and Employment Rights Act: timeline update
www.gov.uk
February 4, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Useful timeline of when different bits of the Employment Rights Act will take effect. www.gov.uk/government/p...
Reposted by Free Representation Unit
Looking for barristers/pupils for Kalisher Trust to participate in a mock trial on 25 February at Weavers Academy, Wellingborough and 26 February at The Bulwell Academy, Nottingham. Timing is 0930-early afternoon. Travel & small ex gratia payment available. DM me if you're free.
February 3, 2026 at 3:17 PM
Looking for barristers/pupils for Kalisher Trust to participate in a mock trial on 25 February at Weavers Academy, Wellingborough and 26 February at The Bulwell Academy, Nottingham. Timing is 0930-early afternoon. Travel & small ex gratia payment available. DM me if you're free.
We're registered - see you all there!
Registration for the London #LegalWalk on Tuesday 9 June 2026 is now OPEN!
Join thousands of walkers raising vital funds for free legal advice charities- including South West London Law Centres @SWLLawCentres
Sign up today: zurl.co/YsIYD
Join thousands of walkers raising vital funds for free legal advice charities- including South West London Law Centres @SWLLawCentres
Sign up today: zurl.co/YsIYD
February 2, 2026 at 11:57 AM
We're registered - see you all there!
#WinOfTheWeek
Thanks to Hafsah Begum and Sarah Bergstrom for agreeing to become our Vice-chairs. Thanks to Michael Fealy KC and Arthur Lau for agreeing to continue as Chair and Treasurer.
Always grateful to 39 Essex for their generous hosting of our meetings.
Thanks to Hafsah Begum and Sarah Bergstrom for agreeing to become our Vice-chairs. Thanks to Michael Fealy KC and Arthur Lau for agreeing to continue as Chair and Treasurer.
Always grateful to 39 Essex for their generous hosting of our meetings.
January 30, 2026 at 5:55 PM
#WinOfTheWeek
Thanks to Hafsah Begum and Sarah Bergstrom for agreeing to become our Vice-chairs. Thanks to Michael Fealy KC and Arthur Lau for agreeing to continue as Chair and Treasurer.
Always grateful to 39 Essex for their generous hosting of our meetings.
Thanks to Hafsah Begum and Sarah Bergstrom for agreeing to become our Vice-chairs. Thanks to Michael Fealy KC and Arthur Lau for agreeing to continue as Chair and Treasurer.
Always grateful to 39 Essex for their generous hosting of our meetings.
Reposted by Free Representation Unit
Tolley’s Employment Handbook has its 40th edition this year. To celebrate I recorded a podcast with the great Chris Jeans KC about what it was like to be an employment lawyer in the late 70s/early 80s. I had a great time doing this. Likely a better time than you’ll have if you listen.
Sean Jones KC and Christopher Jeans KC special edition podcast episode | 11KBW
The January episode of the 11KBW Employment Podcast is out now. Christopher Jeans KC regales Sean Jones KC with tales of employment law across the decades, in…
www.11kbw.com
January 30, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Tolley’s Employment Handbook has its 40th edition this year. To celebrate I recorded a podcast with the great Chris Jeans KC about what it was like to be an employment lawyer in the late 70s/early 80s. I had a great time doing this. Likely a better time than you’ll have if you listen.
Reposted by Free Representation Unit
Some very sensible, practical recommendations here, and bigger picture thinking about rebuilding trust
🧵 NEW: Our report 'Listen and learn' sets out how the Government should improve Universal Credit (UC) for the 15 million people who rely on it.
13 years after its roll-out began, it’s time to get UC right.
We've co-produced recommendations with @changingrealities.bsky.social participants 👇
13 years after its roll-out began, it’s time to get UC right.
We've co-produced recommendations with @changingrealities.bsky.social participants 👇
January 30, 2026 at 3:45 PM
Some very sensible, practical recommendations here, and bigger picture thinking about rebuilding trust
Reposted by Free Representation Unit
In her latest blog, Hope Rea provides a clear guide to the Magistrates’ Court process for first-time defendants.
Read the full article via the link below.
www.olliers.com/news/the-mag...
#magistratescourt #guide #criminallaw
Read the full article via the link below.
www.olliers.com/news/the-mag...
#magistratescourt #guide #criminallaw
January 28, 2026 at 3:13 PM
In her latest blog, Hope Rea provides a clear guide to the Magistrates’ Court process for first-time defendants.
Read the full article via the link below.
www.olliers.com/news/the-mag...
#magistratescourt #guide #criminallaw
Read the full article via the link below.
www.olliers.com/news/the-mag...
#magistratescourt #guide #criminallaw
londonlegalsupporttrust.org.uk/our-events/l...
June might feel like a long time away, but registrations have opened for the London Legal Walk on 9 June.
We've signed up, come and join us for a great event on 9 June.
Huge thanks to @londonlegal.bsky.social as always for organising.
#WeDoProBono
June might feel like a long time away, but registrations have opened for the London Legal Walk on 9 June.
We've signed up, come and join us for a great event on 9 June.
Huge thanks to @londonlegal.bsky.social as always for organising.
#WeDoProBono
London Legal Walk 2026 - London Legal Support Trust - LLST
Join the largest fundraising event in the legal calendar, the London Legal Walk on 28 June 2022
londonlegalsupporttrust.org.uk
January 28, 2026 at 11:54 AM
londonlegalsupporttrust.org.uk/our-events/l...
June might feel like a long time away, but registrations have opened for the London Legal Walk on 9 June.
We've signed up, come and join us for a great event on 9 June.
Huge thanks to @londonlegal.bsky.social as always for organising.
#WeDoProBono
June might feel like a long time away, but registrations have opened for the London Legal Walk on 9 June.
We've signed up, come and join us for a great event on 9 June.
Huge thanks to @londonlegal.bsky.social as always for organising.
#WeDoProBono
Reposted by Free Representation Unit
Huge thanks to Serle Court Chambers. Please support FRU's work, it's a life saver to hundreds of people every year.
www.thefru.org.uk/donate
www.thefru.org.uk/donate
January 28, 2026 at 10:12 AM
Huge thanks to Serle Court Chambers. Please support FRU's work, it's a life saver to hundreds of people every year.
www.thefru.org.uk/donate
www.thefru.org.uk/donate
Huge thanks to Serle Court for this generous donation.
We receive no public funding and rely on the legal sector to keep us going.
To support free access to justice and training the next generation of pro bono lawyers please go to www.thefru.org.uk/donate.
#WeDoProBono
We receive no public funding and rely on the legal sector to keep us going.
To support free access to justice and training the next generation of pro bono lawyers please go to www.thefru.org.uk/donate.
#WeDoProBono
January 28, 2026 at 10:06 AM
Huge thanks to Serle Court for this generous donation.
We receive no public funding and rely on the legal sector to keep us going.
To support free access to justice and training the next generation of pro bono lawyers please go to www.thefru.org.uk/donate.
#WeDoProBono
We receive no public funding and rely on the legal sector to keep us going.
To support free access to justice and training the next generation of pro bono lawyers please go to www.thefru.org.uk/donate.
#WeDoProBono
I used to work with him and can't praise him enough. A consumate professional and all-round decent chap.
January 24, 2026 at 11:06 AM
Oh, thanks, yes we agree wholeheartedly!
January 24, 2026 at 11:06 AM
Oh, thanks, yes we agree wholeheartedly!
We hate to disagree with a trustee, but yes to this.
January 23, 2026 at 6:27 PM
We hate to disagree with a trustee, but yes to this.
#WinOfTheWeek This week we received some incredible feedback about our legal officer Richard Gillingham.
We know that Richard does a fantastic job, it's great to hear just how much it meant to his client.
#WeDoProBono
We know that Richard does a fantastic job, it's great to hear just how much it meant to his client.
#WeDoProBono
January 23, 2026 at 5:41 PM
#WinOfTheWeek This week we received some incredible feedback about our legal officer Richard Gillingham.
We know that Richard does a fantastic job, it's great to hear just how much it meant to his client.
#WeDoProBono
We know that Richard does a fantastic job, it's great to hear just how much it meant to his client.
#WeDoProBono
How fantastic - congratulations, a life-changing intervention!
January 22, 2026 at 3:50 PM
How fantastic - congratulations, a life-changing intervention!
Best wishes to all our aspiring pupil followers with your final pupillage application submissions by 23.59.
Remember to spellcheck and don't misname the chambers.
Remember to spellcheck and don't misname the chambers.
smoke is coming out of a laptop that says ' aaron ' on it
ALT: smoke is coming out of a laptop that says ' aaron ' on it
media.tenor.com
January 22, 2026 at 1:21 PM
Best wishes to all our aspiring pupil followers with your final pupillage application submissions by 23.59.
Remember to spellcheck and don't misname the chambers.
Remember to spellcheck and don't misname the chambers.
Reposted by Free Representation Unit
💼 If you’re self-employed your Universal Credit payments might change depending on how much you earn.
Each month, the Department for Work and Pensions checks if you’ve earned more or less than they expect you to earn.
Find out how this might impact you🔗
bit.ly/4b2jHTa
Each month, the Department for Work and Pensions checks if you’ve earned more or less than they expect you to earn.
Find out how this might impact you🔗
bit.ly/4b2jHTa
January 21, 2026 at 8:53 AM
💼 If you’re self-employed your Universal Credit payments might change depending on how much you earn.
Each month, the Department for Work and Pensions checks if you’ve earned more or less than they expect you to earn.
Find out how this might impact you🔗
bit.ly/4b2jHTa
Each month, the Department for Work and Pensions checks if you’ve earned more or less than they expect you to earn.
Find out how this might impact you🔗
bit.ly/4b2jHTa
www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/u...
New Senior President of Tribunals annual report published.
The report acknowledges the work of the ELAAS scheme and pro bono representation for applicants to the EAT by FRU volunteers.
Fantastic to hear the value of our work for the tribunal system.
#WeDoProBono
New Senior President of Tribunals annual report published.
The report acknowledges the work of the ELAAS scheme and pro bono representation for applicants to the EAT by FRU volunteers.
Fantastic to hear the value of our work for the tribunal system.
#WeDoProBono
www.judiciary.uk
January 19, 2026 at 1:06 PM
www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/u...
New Senior President of Tribunals annual report published.
The report acknowledges the work of the ELAAS scheme and pro bono representation for applicants to the EAT by FRU volunteers.
Fantastic to hear the value of our work for the tribunal system.
#WeDoProBono
New Senior President of Tribunals annual report published.
The report acknowledges the work of the ELAAS scheme and pro bono representation for applicants to the EAT by FRU volunteers.
Fantastic to hear the value of our work for the tribunal system.
#WeDoProBono