Z2K Clinic
Zacchaeus 2000 Trust (Z2K) is an advice and campaigning charity working across London to fight for justice for those most at risk of poverty. They campaign to raise awareness of problems in the welfare benefits system and represent people in London on very low incomes in appealing unlawful decisions about their disability benefits
What is the Tribunals Representation Service?
Z2K offer a pro bono service to represent people on the lowest incomes in appeals against negative decisions on their disability benefits. Changes to the welfare system since 2012 have led to large numbers of people with severe medical conditions and disabilities - many of whom are at risk of poverty and dependent on state support - having their benefits unjustly stopped. In 2021-2022, Z2K won 82% of its welfare benefits appeals and secured £1,159,766 in resulting payments to our clients. This was only made possible by the hard work and dedication of its pro bono partners.
King's Legal Clinic students support Z2K by volunteering as tribunal representatives and gaining experience of casework. Students are assigned to a client's case and make arrangements to interview the client, draft their submissions and accompany the client to the appeal hearing.
[My experience with Z2K was] ‘undoubtedly one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had so far in law school.’ He drafted legal submissions and supported a client unable to work due to physical and mental health needs at two appeal hearings, resulting in a successful appeal and an award of thousands of pounds of backdated benefits.
Kevin Qu, a second-year Law LLB
King’s students working on the Z2K project were nominated in the ‘Best team of students’ category for the Law Work and Attorney General Pro Bono Awards 2020, this recognised the excellent work of the students and the significant impact of their work on the lives of their clients.