Tom Ogg
Barrister Director
Tom is a barrister at 11KBW.
He is responsible for the general oversight of the project, and for developing the project’s relationship with 11KBW and its members, some of whom act as Barrister Mentors.
Ask Me About: Anything that can’t be dealt with by someone else!
Mathew Purchase
Barrister Director
Mathew is a barrister at Matrix Chambers.
He is responsible for the general oversight of the project, and for developing the project’s relationship with Matrix and its members, some of whom act as Barrister Mentors.
Ask Me About: Anything that can’t be dealt with by someone else!
Sean O'Neill
Senior Student Director
Sean is currently on the Bar Course at City Law School, having first volunteered with the Project in his law conversion year. Before training in law, Sean worked at a national charity defending the rights of people living with HIV. He brings this unique perspective on the rights of marginalised people, and his practical experience of effective charity work, to the Project. His previous work spans from weekends as an assistant at his local pharmacy, to acting as an academic mentor for children from underprivileged backgrounds, so he is proud of the Project’s client-focused, child-first approach. He hopes the Project can steady the ship for parents, guardians and children going through a difficult and emotional process.
Sofia Brough-Aparicio
Senior Student Director
Sofia is currently a full-time BVS student at City Law School, with aspirations of becoming a family barrister. Prior to this, Sofia worked in various client-service roles, including as a charity fundraiser and domiciliary carer. Her further experiences as a researcher for a UK domestic abuse task force, and as a teaching assistant to children with SEN, have motivated her to explore solutions to the challenges faced by vulnerable families. Sofia joined the School Exclusion Project to actively engage in increasing accessibility to representation. She has been with us since October 2021 and has represented at both GDC and IRP stage.
Anjelica Smerin
Senior Student Director
Anjelica is currently a full-time BVS student at City Law School and an aspiring barrister. Prior to studying law Anjelica volunteered as an advisor at Citizens Advice in South London. This involved offering clear and compassionate advice on a breadth of issues (housing, immigration, debt, benefits) to often vulnerable clients facing stressful and challenging situations. Anjelica also has extensive experience working with children with SEN after working as a tutor offering free English tutoring to disadvantaged pupils across the country during the pandemic. These combined experiences have made her passionate about ensuring free access to advice and representation. She is now in her second year volunteering for the project and has represented clients at both GDC and IRP stage.
Alicia Lawson
Senior Student Director
Alicia is a part-time BVS student at City Law School and an aspiring barrister. Prior to studying law, Alicia spent eight years running a social enterprise in London. This involved working closely with vulnerable adults, including those with disabilities. She is passionate about providing the support needed for parents and pupils to participate effectively in the exclusion process. In addition to the School Exclusion Project, her legal experience includes helping prepare fresh claims for asylum seekers at a Refugee Clinic, and helping lawyers rewire commercial contracts to be 'climate cognizant' at an environmental legal project. She is now in her second year volunteering for the project.