Hina’s story

Hear from one of our student volunteers at Manchester Metropolitan University about their experience and passion for justice.

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“I found myself connecting with clients, providing hope and comfort in their journey for justice”

– Hina Zaman, Student Volunteer

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Hi! I’m Hina, a second-year law student at Manchester Metropolitan University with interests in a range of areas like criminal, family or even commercial law. Like many students, I was filled with questions about my future: What does a legal environment really look like? Is this really what I want to do? Does it align with my goal to make a difference in society? Most of these uncertainties fell away when I discovered the opportunity to volunteer with Support Through Court at the Manchester Civil Justice Centre.

During my summer break from university, from May to October, I volunteered at the civil justice centre. My typical day involved assisting clients booked for in-person, telephone appointments or even court hearings. During quieter moments, I answered calls and emails. For instance, on my very first day, I helped a father draft a witness statement for a custody dispute while listening to his emotional backstory. Over time, I encountered a range of cases including housing and small claims, though family cases like child arrangements or divorces were the most common. I also learned a lot about different types of forms that I helped fill out and procedures like mediation, a concept that was completely new to me.

What I loved the most was going into court with clients. Although I couldn’t provide legal advice, offering emotional support – especially for those facing language or mental health barriers – was incredibly rewarding. I still remember accompanying a German-speaking client to a hearing. As a native German speaker, I could explain court procedures in his preferred language and translate words he struggled to understand, all of which made me feel proud that my skills could make a meaningful difference professionally.

Whilst the beginning of my Pro Bono journey felt intense due to information overload, as I supported more clients, my confidence grew over time. I went from hesitating to take on clients by myself to happily volunteering for solo tasks like court hearings.

My volunteer experience taught me the significance of empathy and listening in legal settings. Whilst I initially expected to spend most of my time filling out forms, a lot of the time I found myself connecting with clients, providing hope and comfort in their journey for justice despite being unrepresented.

I am passionate about ensuring access to justice for everyone so helping individuals through the court system was incredible rewarding. This experience gave me a profound sense of accomplishment and was an invaluable first step towards my future goals. Walking through the courthouse in my blazer with clients by my side and applying the theories I had only studied in class to the real world clarified my goal to help others and make a difference. I highly recommend this volunteering opportunity to any student looking for personal growth and legal experience. It is a chance to not only discover the law but also what it means to you on a personal level.