Meet the Justice First Team
Solafa Eltom
Asylum Caseworker
Solafa began her time with Justice First as a volunteer in October 2006, only months after Justice First was formed. She is currently our Office manager/Level 2 OISC Asylum Caseworker with 15 years of experience.
Her journey from volunteer to caseworker was influenced by her own experience of the asylum system, which inspired her to support and help others navigate the system after an asylum refusal. Solafa graduated from Al Ahlia University in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
She also has a Diploma in Intermediate Accounting. She has many years of experience in the banking world in the United Arab Emirates. She is interested in international politics and her hobbies are reading and cooking.
Lucie Fleming
Asylum Caseworker
Lucie is an Asylum Caseworker for Justice First, qualified at OISC level 2 in Asylum and Protection.
She joined the Justice First team as a volunteer after the fund-raising dinner of 2011, already being a keen supporter of our organisation through her husband, our patron, Curtis Fleming. She is passionate about her work and takes great pride in being able to assist our clients with her strong and sound knowledge of the legal process that those seeking asylum must follow in their search for sanctuary.
Her role has grown over time, and she now delivers weekly drop-in advice sessions in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool. She also delivers training and second-tier advice to partner organisations throughout Teesside and Newcastle.
Outside of Justice First, Lucie enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dog on the beach, and learning about the philosophy, practices, and teachings of the Buddha.
Emma Pearson
Asylum and Immigration Caseworker
Emma is a Legal Caseworker for Justice First, qualified in Level 2 Immigration, and Level 2 Asylum and Protection by the OISC. Emma brings four years casework experience, supporting people seeking asylum and refugees.
Emma holds an MA Degree from the University of Sussex in Migration and Global Development and has spent many years volunteering with migrant workers in Kuwait. She brings awareness of UK and international asylum and immigration systems.
In her personal time, Emma is an active and dedicated campaigner. She is passionate about actively campaigning against the Hostile Environment, as well as supporting people experiencing it. She is especially interested in policies surrounding immigration detention, advocating for an end to detention in the UK.
Matthew Thambyrajah
Asylum Caseworker
Matthew graduated with a Law degree (LLB) from the University of York in 2023. His interests revolved around Family, EU and Immigration Law & Social Policy.
He first gained experience of the charity sector by volunteering whilst at University as a Generalist Advisor for the Citizens Advice Bureau in Stockton where he was able to apply his knowledge to help clients navigate the legal and social welfare systems. Thereafter, he worked as an ESOL Keyworker at Stockton Learning and Skills, where he supported the asylum seekers and refugees enrolled at the school on a range of social welfare issues.
His previous experience as well as interests in international politics shaped his commitment to social justice and his desire to work in the charitable sector. Matthew’s hobbies include visiting museums and art galleries to explore history and culture but does also indulge in climbing and movies to help recharge his batteries.
