Awmaima Amrayaf
Dr. Awmaima Amrayaf is a Senior Impact Adviser at DLA Piper, based in the firm's London office. She previously served as a Board Member of the Amnesty International UK Charitable Trust and is currently a member of PILnet's Global Board.
Awmaima holds a PhD in Law from the University of Leeds and is a recognised expert on legal systems, access to justice, and pro bono development across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Drawing on both her professional expertise and lived experience of forced displacement, she works to advance human rights, strengthen access to justice, and support vulnerable and marginalised communities. She is a strong advocate for rights-holder engagement and empowerment, promoting approaches that centre the voices and leadership of affected communities.
Her areas of interest include refugee and migrant rights, women's rights, children's rights, and access to justice. She is particularly interested in the intersection between immigration status and other barriers that can affect individuals' ability to access their rights, opportunities, and essential services.
At DLA Piper, Awmaima leads initiatives that harness the firm's pro bono capabilities to create positive social impact, including developing strategic pro bono partnerships and strengthening pro bono practice internationally. Her work focuses on expanding access to legal assistance, supporting displaced populations, and helping organisations deliver meaningful and sustainable impact by leveraging the law as a tool for positive change.