Who we are
Horizon is a specialist legal advice clinic which was launched with the aim of providing free legal advice to all members of the public on PIP and ESA related matters. It was founded in 2016 by a group of undergraduates, several of whom were student advisers at the Queen Mary Legal Advice Clinic. We have grown considerably over the years having partnered with an increasing number of law firms and having recruited more volunteer advisers.
We are passionate about helping those in need by providing free initial legal advice. The impetus behind our initiative was the drastic cut to the Legal Aid budget by the government which left many people without any access to justice. As a result, we felt it was an ethical obligation of our profession to assist members of the public, with a particular focus on the London boroughs of Barking & Dagenham and Newham.
Pro bono has been a consistent feature of the legal profession, giving back to society one of its enduring values, ensuring that those in need have a place to turn to.
What we do
Our purpose is to advise members of the public on their legal position and the options available to them. We aim to provide a niche, sophisticated end to end service in matters relating to Personal Independence Payments and Employment and Support Allowance.
We will assist in a variety of ways including:
- Drafting written Legal Advice Letters setting out eligibility for PIP/ESA and next steps;
- Initiating a claim which involves filling in a Claim Form received from the Department for Work and Pensions;
- Preparing clients for a Face-to-Face Assessment; and
- Challenging a DWP decision by: (i) requesting a Mandatory Reconsideration; and/or (ii) Appealing to a Tribunal or Upper Tribunal.