Meet the Ukrainian-born Manchester solicitor helping others flee the war after family escaped Russian missile attacks

A Ukrainian-born solicitor in Manchester, whose own family had to leave their country to avoid Russia's bombing, has said it's her "duty" to help others flee the war by processing a select number of asylum applications free of charge.

Iryna O’Reilly, who works for Barings Law in the city centre, has lived in England for over 20 years and got her law degree from the University of Manchester in 2010.

She is also using her own negative experience of the immigration system, which cost her a "dream job" six years ago, to make the process simpler for those seeking a better life in the UK.

READ MORE: Click here to sign up to the BusinessLive North West newsletter

Her own asylum application was made while working for Manchester-based Carter Law Solicitors in 2016, where she needed a spouse visa to start a new role, but due to delays processing it, she had to turn the opportunity down.

Now at Barings Law, she’s spoken of her pain at seeing the desperate situation back home and wants to help Ukrainian nationals seeking asylum on a pro bono basis, which will be assessed case-by-case.

"The personal struggles I faced while building my life and career in the UK, have shaped who I am as a person and solicitor," said Iryna. "I always approach a case or a situation with compassion, understanding and fairness.

"I’m very thankful to Barings Law, who’ve given me opportunities I could never have imagined.

"I’m also delighted that the firm is setting up an immigration department and that we are focusing on those who need our help and assistance the most.

"A year on, and we must not look back at the war with acceptance. It’s shaken Ukraine politically, economically, and on a humanitarian level and I know the challenges many Ukrainians have