LawWorks - Blog

Building Access to Justice in Bolton: The University of Bolton Legal Advice Bureau (LAB)

shivani.clancy@lawworks.org.uk — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 13:45:00 +0000

When Asif Timol, solicitor and lecturer at the University of Bolton, opened the Legal Advice Bureau (LAB) earlier this year, the need within the community was already impossible to ignore.

Legal aid cuts and rising costs had left many residents unable to afford advice, and existing services were struggling to keep up.

“The waiting list was huge, and client appointments weren’t being offered until six or seven months down the line. It just felt completely pointless and impossible to meet the need. There’s a huge demand for free legal support here, and not much available.”

Determined to launch the clinic with a strong structure, Asif began exploring how to make it sustainable for the long term. His vision was to create something that not only gave law students real-world experience but also delivered consistent advice to local people who had nowhere else to turn. The challenge was finding the right partners and framework to make it viable, and that was where LawWorks stepped in.

Asif connected with Rebecca Howell, Head of Clinics Programme at LawWorks, who provided both strategic guidance and practical tools to support the relaunch. LawWorks facilitated a partnership between the university and Bolton Central Library, creating a community-facing space where clients could access advice in the town centre. The team also reached out to local firms including AFG Law and Joe Egan Solicitors, bringing volunteer solicitors into the project from its earliest stages.

The joint efforts were successful, and the clinic now runs on the second Tuesday of each month, offering around 15 to 20 appointments per session. Eleven law students are currently involved, handling client enquiries, triage, and follow-up work under solicitor supervision. For many, it is their first experience of face-to-face client contact, and the impact has been immediate.

“The students are very grateful for the experience. They see first-hand how that 30-minute appointment can make a real difference. For many clients, it’s advice they’d never have been able to access otherwise.”

LawWorks’ support has been practical and hands-on from the beginning. Beyond making introductions, it helped the team put strong foundations in place, from policies and training materials to volunteer recruitment and guidance. That ongoing advice, combined with national recognition through the Clinics Network, has given the Bolton clinic both credibility and the ability to be a part of a wider pro bono community.

“LawWorks takes away a lot of the time and effort it takes to get started. They reached out to firms for us, shared templates and policies, and even helped us build our student induction using their training materials. I genuinely don’t think I could have managed it without them. It’s not just a network, it’s a partnership that makes access to justice possible.”

Asif’s commitment to access to justice and to his local community has shaped every part of the University of Bolton Legal Advice Bureau. His work, supported by LawWorks and local partners, shows how collaboration can turn ideas into action. What began as a small initiative is now helping people across Bolton find the legal help they need, and inspiring others to see pro bono as a shared responsibility.

The LawWorks Clinics Network supports over 300 free legal advice clinics across England and Wales, helping thousands of people each year who cannot afford legal support. By providing resources, training and partnerships, LawWorks helps clinics like the University of Bolton Legal Advice Bureau reach more people and strengthen access to justice in their communities.

You can help support this work by donating to LawWorks and supporting the expansion of free legal advice services across the country.

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Empowering Families Through Pro Bono: The University of Bedfordshire Family Law Clinic

shivani.clancy@lawworks.org.uk — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 13:19:00 +0000

In Bedfordshire, a new generation of lawyers is helping families find their way through some of the most difficult moments in life.

Launched in January 2025, the University of Bedfordshire Family Law Clinic was founded to bridge a widening gap in access to justice. Cuts to legal aid have left many people unable to afford legal representation, particularly in family matters where emotions run high and the consequences are deeply personal. The clinic offers free advice and guidance to those who might otherwise have to face the courts alone.

Since its opening, more than 200 people have turned to the clinic for help. Each enquiry represents someone navigating a period of uncertainty, a parent seeking custody, a couple separating, a family trying to find stability again. Eighty have already received detailed advice from student volunteers working under the supervision of qualified solicitors, and many more have been supported through follow up contact and signposting to other services:

“I felt listened to and supported. They gave me advice step by step and helped me understand what to do next.”

“They gave me the confidence to go to court and speak for myself.”

At its heart, the clinic is both a service and a learning space. For the students who volunteer, it is a chance to step out of the classroom and see what justice looks like in practice. They learn how to listen, to communicate clearly, and to handle sensitive situations with empathy. Each appointment helps them understand not only the technical side of the law but its human weight.

“The benefit to the students is seeing how their academic studies can equip them with legal knowledge and skills that can be applied to help others in real life situations” - Christine Quinlan, clinic co-ordinator.

Behind the clinic’s success lies a spirit of collaboration. It is part of the LawWorks Clinics Network, which supports more than 300 free legal advice clinics across England and Wales. LawWorks has worked alongside the University from the outset, helping to establish systems, provide training materials, and ensure that every client receives advice that meets professional standards. The clinic also works closely with Duncan Lewis Solicitors Ltd., whose family law team assists in reviewing cases and supporting the student volunteers.

“LawWorks has helped us make sure the clinic runs smoothly and safely, both for clients and for our students. It has been invaluable to have their expertise and practical guidance.”

Together, these partnerships have built something enduring, a model where learning and service strengthen one another. Families receive life changing support, and students gain the experience and conviction that will shape their future careers.

“Pro bono clinics like Bedfordshire’s play an essential role in ensuring people can get the advice they need when they need it. They also help inspire the next generation of lawyers to see access to justice as part of their professional responsibility.” - Rebecca Howell, Head of Clinics at LawWorks

The University of Bedfordshire Family Law Clinic stands as part of a wider network of people and organisations committed to keeping justice within reach. It is a reminder that the law is not only about rules and remedies, but about people, and that when education and compassion meet, the impact can ripple far beyond the walls of a university.

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Cardiff University Law Clinic Marks Its First Anniversary

shivani.clancy@lawworks.org.uk — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 12:06:00 +0000

8 November 2025 marks one year since the launch of the Cardiff University Law Clinic, based in the Cardiff Civil and Family Court. The clinic was established in partnership with Support Through Court (STC), who are also based in the court and can refer clients directly for legal advice.

From the beginning, the clinic was shaped by real community need. STC had seen first-hand how many of their clients were struggling to find legal help, especially with housing and family issues, and this became the clinic’s focus. Today, it provides advice across housing, family and selected small claims cases, from possession proceedings and disrepair to divorce, child arrangements and non-molestation orders.

In its first year, the clinic has held 129 client appointments and issued 110 detailed advice letters. A further 151 people received tailored signposting through online queries, supported by resources from the Pro Bono Committee’s Wales group. Referrals have come from all corners of the community: family officers in local schools, GP practices, NHS teams and mental health networks such as the Hamadryad Centre. Clients have found their way to the clinic through these networks, through word of mouth, and sometimes just by scrolling on social media. With both remote and in-person appointments available, its reach now extends across Wales.

Behind each statistic is a person who has been listened to, supported and empowered to take the next step. One housing client, a single mother caring for her autistic adult son, was terrified of losing her home. With advice from the clinic, she was able to file her defence with a payment proposal, resulting in a suspended possession order on her terms.

[The Law Clinic] was magnificent. The service I had was great, they went above and beyond. They helped me with everything...

Another client, facing ongoing divorce proceedings, had stopped attending court because he could no longer afford legal representation. The clinic helped him understand the process, arranged support from an STC volunteer for his next hearing, and helped him avoid further costs.

For the student advisors, this work has been just as transformative:

My pro bono work this year has been the highlight of my undergraduate degree and I am sincerely grateful to the team! I take such pride in my role and I am certain that it has and will continue to shape my personal and professional life. - Hollie M

I remember one of the first few clients I advised - someone much older than me - telling me how much of a difference I had made in their lives. This struck me as I had not realised that my small sacrifice of a few hours a week could have such a significant impact. - Taona M

Over the past year, the clinic has also welcomed the Solicitor General for a visit and offered students the chance to shadow judges sitting at the Cardiff Civil and Family Court. Even through exam periods and university breaks, volunteers kept the Clinic running; proof of how deeply they believe in its mission.

The Cardiff University Law Clinic is one of more than 300 independent clinics supported through the LawWorks Clinics Network. Each one represents the same shared belief: that everyone deserves the chance to understand their rights and be heard. Together, these clinics form a community of pro bono practice across England and Wales, built on collaboration, compassion and a quiet but powerful commitment to access to justice.

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Volunteer Recruitment and Engagement: in conversation with Alun Griffith

shivani.clancy@lawworks.org.uk — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:07:00 +0000

At Eversheds Sutherland, we have found that successful volunteer recruitment and engagement comes down to three things: variety, support and reward. Each plays a vital role in ensuring that pro bono work remains meaningful and sustainable for everyone involved.

Variety

A wide range of opportunities helps attract volunteers from across the firm, including lawyers at all levels and business services colleagues. Some of our most successful projects bring these groups together in small, mixed teams combining legal and non-legal work to deliver real impact.

Collaboration with other law firms also widens the pool of volunteers, encourages shared learning and helps coordinate training and supervision. Sourcing pro bono work in the firm’s areas of expertise further boosts participation. The LawWorks portal is an excellent way to find UK opportunities aligned with our strengths, while TrustLaw offers similar international options. Centralised management of processes such as bid submissions and conflict checks allows volunteers to focus on what they do best: providing great legal advice.

Local engagement matters too. Partnering with law clinics gives volunteers the chance to support their own communities, providing direct advice to those in need. LawWorks plays an important role in helping firms make these connections.

Support

Comprehensive training and supervision are key to maintaining confidence, particularly for those working outside their usual practice areas. We offer both live and recorded sessions to increase accessibility, along with wellbeing support for volunteers who may encounter difficult or sensitive material. A central repository for resources and guidance ensures that everyone has the tools they need to deliver high-quality work.

Reward

Recognising and celebrating contributions keeps volunteers engaged. We highlight how pro bono work builds skills, strengthens professional relationships and provides the satisfaction of helping those who might otherwise go without support. Sharing volunteers’ stories, especially during UK Pro Bono Week, helps inspire others to get involved.

We also work with senior stakeholders to ensure contributions are valued internally and encourage participation in initiatives such as the Pro Bono Recognition List, celebrating those who dedicate 25 hours or more each year.

By focusing on variety, support and reward, we can build a thriving culture of pro bono engagement that benefits both the communities we serve and the firm as a whole.

As a LawWorks member, we recognise the importance of collaboration in sustaining the pro bono ecosystem. LawWorks provides the infrastructure, expertise and connections that make much of this work possible, linking firms to opportunities where volunteers can make the greatest impact. Together, we can continue to strengthen pro bono across the profession and make access to justice a shared reality.

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Volunteering at LawWorks: Elliot's Story

shivani.clancy@lawworks.org.uk — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 08:50:00 +0000

At LawWorks, we were delighted to welcome Elliot Savin as part of her Laidlaw Scholars ‘Leadership in Action’ placement. During her six-week placement she contributed to our work by carrying out high-quality research and volunteering in clinics across our network. Elliot approached every task with commitment and professionalism, and we are grateful for the insight and enthusiasm she brought to the team.

We are pleased to share Elliot’s reflections on her time with LawWorks:

"In December of last year, I faced the daunting task of securing a summer position. As a recipient of the Laidlaw Scholarship, I was given not only the resources to pursue research but also the opportunity to spend my summer abroad working with a not-for-profit organisation of my choosing. Knowing I wanted to work within the UK’s legal sector, I discovered LawWorks and was fortunate to connect with Hayley Nock, who offered me a research position for the summer.

My time at LawWorks proved both professionally formative and personally transformative. As an intern, I conducted research into legal trends and issues that might shape LawWorks’ 2027 strategic plan, and explored how a charity can measure the impact of its work. Through this role, I had the privilege of volunteering in pro bono legal clinics which form the heart of the LawWorks network across England and Wales. These experiences gave me a rare vantage point, combining the data that informs the organisation’s long-term vision with the direct contact of sitting alongside clients and volunteers in clinics.

Working in a small charity like LawWorks was a unique experience. The team were always ready to share their expertise, answer questions, and involve me in meaningful work. The supportive environment made me feel like a valued part of the team, even as an intern. Unlike larger organisations where roles can be compartmentalised, I was encouraged to engage with many aspects of the charity’s work. Through this I had the opportunity to conduct research and analyse trends across the sector, such as the fact that in 2024, clinics handled more than 90,000 enquiries and supported over 61,000 people. I came to see how this data was not just numbers but evidence used to advocate for policy change, attract new partnerships, and direct support where it was most needed.

At the same time, my experience volunteering in legal clinics gave me an entirely different perspective. Where research captured the scale of need across England and Wales, the clinics revealed the faces and voices behind those statistics. Many of the people I met were dealing with family and employment law issues, areas that, according to the 2024 report, together accounted for over half of all clinic cases. But in practice, these problems rarely appeared in isolation. Clients often came in with overlapping challenges, housing insecurity tied to debt, employment disputes linked to family breakdown, or immigration issues bound up with domestic abuse. The 2024 report highlighted rising complexity in cases, and I saw this in real time as clients shared their stories.

What struck me most was the power of human connection. Sitting across the table from clients, I saw how much it mattered that someone was there to listen. Even when full resolution wasn’t possible, a single conversation, being heard, receiving advice, or simply having the next step explained made an enormous difference. Working alongside volunteer lawyers, students, and coordinators, I was inspired by the commitment people brought to these clinics. The 2024 report recorded over 13,000 volunteers across the network, a staggering number that shows the willingness and dedication of communities to help out when people are in need. There was something profoundly humbling in being part of that collective effort, even in a small way. It reminded me that while research and data are crucial for advocacy, it is the people that give the work its true meaning.

Ultimately, my time with LawWorks left me with a deeper conviction that access to justice must be seen as a basic right, not a privilege. It taught me that creating meaningful change requires both careful, strategic research and the willingness to meet people where they are. Most of all, it showed me the importance of human connection, whether that’s the encouragement of a supportive team, the generosity of volunteers, or the gratitude of a client who feels seen. These lessons, professional and personal, will stay with me well beyond my time at LawWorks."

“We were hugely impressed with Elliot. Her work ethic and quality of research were fantastic, and she was a pleasure to have in the team. She threw herself into every task, whether in the office or in a clinic, and her positivity and curiosity shone through. Elliot is definitely going places.”
– Hayley Nock, Head of Strategic Development

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LawWorks Cymru volunteer spotlight February 2024

peterjackson — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 12:02:00 +0000

In late 2023 I had the pleasure of speaking with Will Tinkler, who works at Eversheds Sutherland and has been volunteering with the Cardiff Lawyers Care project since 2021.

Will Tinkler works at Eversheds Sutherland and has been volunteering with the Cardiff Lawyers Care project since 2021. The project is a partnership between the Wallich, University of South Wales, Cardiff and District Law Society and LawWorks. Cardiff Lawyers Care provides legal advice to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Will took the time to tell us about his experiences of pro bono volunteering.

Q. How did you first get involved with Cardiff Lawyers Care?

A. My colleague, Tom Black, who is involved with the Cardiff and District Law Society, mentioned the Cardiff Lawyers Care clinic to me. I was keen to get involved as it gave me the chance to help to support some of the most vulnerable people in our society. I’ve been volunteering with the clinic several times a year ever since.

‘I think people worry that pro bono volunteering will be too much and get in the way of their day jobs, but I’ve found volunteering with Cardiff Lawyers Care accessible and manageable’.

Q. How do you find the experience of volunteering with the project?

A. I find it very accessible. I think people worry that volunteering will be a big time commitment and get in the way of their day jobs. CLC is flexible and allows you to volunteer as much or little as you would like to. It also helps that I can join appointments on Teams so I don’t have to travel. The staff at the clinic send out rotas and client details in plenty of time which is also really helpful.

Q. What do you find most rewarding about working with the project?

A. It’s rewarding to be able to give initial guidance and signposting to people who have no one else to talk to about their issue. I also enjoy speaking with the students from University of South Wales who volunteer with CLC and helping them to think through the legal issues.

‘It’s rewarding to be able to give initial guidance and signposting to people who have no one else to talk to about their issue.’

Q. Have any clients or cases particularly stuck out for you?

A. I spoke to one woman whose legal issue had actually been resolved but she was really worried because ultimately she still had addiction issues. That bought home how complicated people’s lives can be, and how legal issues interact with so many other problems they may be dealing with.

Many thanks to Will for speaking with me and for his dedication and commitment to the project!

Cardiff Lawyers Care is still accepting volunteers, if you would like to find out more about their volunteering opportunities contact maria.rees@southwales.ac.uk.

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Policy round-up summer 2021

peterjackson — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 15:58:00 +0000

Since our last quarterly policy round-up, we have continued to develop our work on access to justice policy issues, including engagement with the Justice Select Committee.

As we emerge from the pandemic LawWorks continues to work on policy areas around pro bono and access to justice (see also our round-up from earlier this year).

Legal Aid

Our colleagues at the Legal Aid Practitioners Group have been supporting a Parliamentary inquiry into the sustainability of legal aid - the Westminster Commission on Legal Aid. LawWorks engages in policy work around legal aid in order to emphasise that we do not see pro bono as a replacement for publicly funded legal services, and we continue to make the case for improved funding for access to justice. We have therefore provided a submission to the Commission.

Westminster Commission Inquiry into the Sustainability of Legal Aid

The Justice Select Committee have also been running inquiries into the future of legal aid and the capacity of the courts. We provided evidence for both of these inquiries, working with our Litigant in Person Support Strategy partners on a joint submission for the courts inquiry.

The Select Committee has now published its report on legal aid. The report is hard hitting, warning of a serious crisis, and includes highlighting concerns from our submission about digital exclusion. Recommendations from the report for civil legal aid include:

an early advice scheme with a wider scope; early legal advice should also be available alongside mediation;
examining whether the model of the possession duty scheme should be used in other areas of the civil justice system where there are significant numbers of litigants in person (on a non-means tested basis);
judges should be empowered to make a direction that an individual needs representation and that it should be binding on the Legal Aid Agency to provide exceptional case funding in that case;
Government should also establish an Online Platform for Legal Advice, as suggested by the charity JUSTICE, that is given prominence by HMCTS online that directs people to legal aid providers.

Law Commission’s 14th Programme

LawWorks have responded to the Law Commission’s call for evidence and law reform ideas for their 14th Law Reform Programme.

Submission to Law Commission's 14th programme

Legal and advice sector roundtable

LawWorks have continued to work with the legal and advice sector roundtable on ongoing and emerging policy issues and challenges, including work across the sector to influence the next spending review.

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The TERN Legal Advice Clinic

peterjackson — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 15:31:00 +0000

Byron Spring, Pro Bono Coordinator, Cleary Gottlieb, reports on a clinic partnership with The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network (TERN), which support refugee entrepreneurs in the creation and development of their businesses, enabling them to thrive through the power of their own ideas

TERN (The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network) is a UK social enterprise that enables refugees to thrive through the power of their own ideas. Through providing tailored and holistic support to refugees aspiring to start their own businesses, TERN strives to break down the barriers that prevent refugees from achieving their potential, both transforming public perceptions of migrants and stimulating innovation and diversity in entrepreneurship in the process.

One of the most significant barriers for aspiring entrepreneurs—particularly those who do not speak English as a first language—is having to negotiate the various legal complexities inherent in starting a new business, from choosing an appropriate corporate form to data protection and taxation.

This is where we saw the potential to assist. To coincide with the launch in 2019 of On Demand, TERN’s consultancy programme for businesses in a more advanced stage of the entrepreneurial cycle, Cleary Gottlieb assisted TERN with the production of a Legal Toolkit, an accessible introduction to various areas of corporate law for refugee entrepreneurs.

But this Toolkit was only a first step. Given the range and diversity of businesses in TERN’s network, we knew that a clinic structure would best enable our volunteers to address the bespoke legal queries of TERN’s entrepreneurs effectively. We were delighted that LawWorks could help.

In November 2019, TERN and Cleary Gottlieb launched the On Demand Legal Advice Clinic. This bi-monthly service, a member of LawWorks’ Clinic Network, engages volunteers from across Cleary Gottlieb’s corporate practice to advise refugee entrepreneurs on issues ranging from corporate structuring and finance to intellectual property and taxation. Lawyers from all seniorities at the firm have participated in this most rewarding of initiatives, advising on a range of challenging legal issues, and reflecting our firm’s core belief in the importance of diversity in business.

Following the lockdown in March 2020 the clinic moved online and continues to operate. The collaboration with TERN has developed into a hugely successful pro bono project, in less than two years, with more than 850 pro bono hours having been devoted to TERN matters.

The support and insurance provided by LawWorks has been key to ensuring the flexibility and potential expandability of the clinic. As TERN develops its in-depth support for refugee populations across the UK and beyond in 2021, we look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.

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Justice for Windrush

peterjackson — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 15:29:00 +0000

Laura Bee explains how the Legal Advice Clinic at the University of Leicester has developed a project to promote the government’s Windrush Compensation Scheme and help potential claimants to access it, and how the response from students has been phenomenal.

What is the Windrush Compensation Scheme?

The Windrush Compensation Scheme was launched by the government in April 2019 to compensate members of the Windrush generation who suffered losses from being unable to prove their right to live in the UK during the government’s “hostile environment” policy during the last decade. Compensation can include payment for loss of employment, benefits, impact on life and other hardship.

How does the project help potential claimants?

The team helps individuals assess their eligibility to submit a claim through the Windrush Compensation Scheme. If individuals are eligible, we can talk them through the claim process, and help them think about which if the categories of loss may apply to them. We help individuals to work out what evidence they have (or can get hold of) to support their claim.

The work involved in such cases can be sensitive because potential claimants may naturally feel mistrust towards the government, who are administering the compensation. It can also be time consuming to try and discover appropriate evidence to back up historical losses.

Once individuals are ready to make a claim, if they would like further help we can refer their case to United Legal Access, a legal and social justice organisation who are also offering their services for free. Or individuals can submit their claim themselves.

What are the benefits for the students who are involved?

The student team, some of whom have family members or friends who were directly affected by the Windrush scandal, are passionate about helping to right the injustices faced by some members of the Windrush generation. Some feel that their involvement in the project complements their interests in immigration law for example, and the students value the opportunity to develop skills such as interviewing clients, and thinking outside the box, in order to raise awareness and get the project up and running during the pandemic. One student reported being grateful to be able to “help my own community as they fight for justice”.

For more information:

Email: lawadviceclinic@leicester.ac.uk
Facebook: University of Leicester Justice for Windrush
Twitter: @uol_windrush

Laura Bee is the Legal Advice Clinic Director at University of Leicester.

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Thank you Bob Mortimer!

peterjackson — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 13:58:00 +0000

A huge thank you to Bob Mortimer, comedian, podcast presenter, occasional fisherman who launched the BBC Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of LawWorks on July 4th. Our Appeal focussed on Ann, who needed urgent legal advice when she was served with court documents by her ex-husband’s solicitors, but could not afford to pay for a lawyer and did not qualify for legal aid.

Thank you to everyone who responded to our Radio 4 appeal in July. If you missed the original broadcast you can listen to the appeal through the BBC Sounds - but please now donate directly through our website. We have been incredibly pleased by the response and with your amazing support we raised over £24,000 - thank you! This will contribute to ensuring we can continue to support clinics in helping people to access the legal help they need.

As we emerge from the pandemic, we are already seeing a greater need for specialist legal advice and support. We know that many of you give so much already, including by volunteering in one of our programmes, but now more than ever we need you to join us in ensuring access to legal advice and support.

Please support us by making a donation through our website, or, alternatively, please contact Leanne Hubbard, our Head of Fundraising, to discuss how you can fundraise for us, make a regular donation or leave a gift to us in your will.

Thank you for enabling us to continue our vital work.

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