Hello I’m Jen,

I’m a Law Lecturer at Cardiff University and a qualified asylum lawyer. I lead a student pro bono project in partnership with Asylum Justice, a Welsh charity that provides free legal advice and representation to destitute, refused asylum seekers. My academic focus includes immigration and asylum law and policy, access to justice, student employability, and creating meaningful pathways into immigration careers.

I grew up in a very multicultural part of London, where my friends came from all kinds of backgrounds, including refugee families. Immigration, for me, was never something abstract, it was just a normal part of life. As I got older, I began to understand more deeply why people move across borders and what it truly means to seek sanctuary. Two books in particular shaped my thinking, especially around women’s experiences: Do They Hear You When You Cry? by Fauziya Kassindja and Desert Flower by Waris Dirie.

After university, I began working as an immigration paralegal and I’ve been representing asylum seekers ever since. That’s over 20 years now of walking alongside people navigating an often overwhelming and hostile system.

What I’ve learned through this work is that legal support, while critical, is just one part of the puzzle. People seeking sanctuary also need community, compassion, and opportunities to rebuild. They need support to recover from trauma, and to integrate meaningfully into society. That’s why the work of the Welsh Refugee Council is so important. WRC fills these gaps with practical help, advocacy, and a commitment to dignity that makes all the difference.

I’m proud to bring my legal expertise, policy insight, and frontline experience to the Welsh Refugee Council as a trustee. It’s a privilege to help shape the strategic direction of an organisation doing such vital, human-centred work and to stand in solidarity with the people and communities we serve.