We’re delighted to announce that Olivia Clark will be joining Refugee Legal Support as our first ever Executive Director. This is a new role for RLS, and we’re excited to see Olivia bring her leadership and skills to the organisation as we develop our next strategy.
Olivia has nearly a decade of experience working in human rights and refugee law in Australia, the UK, South Africa and Afghanistan. In her most recent role, Olivia led the legal team for the Norwegian Refugee Council in Afghanistan, managing the country’s largest legal aid program.
Previously, Olivia was the UK pro bono Director at DLA Piper, where she ran one of the UK’s largest pro bono practices. She helped to establish the firm’s sector-leading refugee law practice and worked closely with community organisations, law centres and UN agencies to design pro bono projects to address critical, unmet legal needs.
Olivia also has experience at the UN Refugee Agency. She worked on issues including statelessness and child protection in the Southern African region, and spent time working for the Division of International Protection in Geneva.
Our priority when recruiting for an Executive Director was their fit with RLS’s values, and that they’re passionate about working in solidarity with people on the move. With Olivia’s leadership, we’ll be able to provide vital legal support for even more people seeking safety, and continue to develop and grow as an organisation.
Olivia said:
“I am honoured to be appointed as RLS’s first Executive Director at such a critical time for migrant justice. Across the UK and Europe, we are witnessing increasingly hostile policies that threaten the rights and dignity to those seeking safety. Now more than ever, RLS’s innovative approach to providing high-quality legal assistance, advocating for systemic change and centring anti-racism and solidarity is essential. I look forward to working alongside RLS’s incredible team, partners, and supporters to expand access to justice and ensure that those on the move are treated with fairness, dignity and humanity.”
