The Global Legal Clinic offers free confidential support to the public as well as University staff and students. Since the introduction of funding cuts to legal aid, few individuals have access to legal assistance. Consequently, the Clinic aims to promote access to justice in the community by providing students with the opportunity to deliver pro bono advice and assistance to those who need it the most.
Is the advice confidential?
All client information is kept confidential unless disclosure is required or permitted by law, or the client consents to the disclosure. For further details, please see the Solicitors Regulation Authorities rules on confidentiality and disclosure.
Will a solicitor deal with my case?
The Legal Clinic is student-led, meaning that it is run by Law students who are not legally qualified. Students work in pairs under the supervision of an academic member of staff.
Can you represent me in court or tribunal?
Our Student Advisers are unable to represent you in court or tribunal. However, depending on their ability, they might be able to attend, as Mckenzie Friend, the court hearing with you, if you are a litigant in person.
The Clinic aims to assist in the following areas:
- Civil litigation
- Commercial
- Criminal
- Employment
- Housing
- Neighbour Disputes
- Family - working with Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors
- Personal Injury - working with Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors
Are there any cases/disputes that cannot be accepted by the Legal Clinic?
Due to regulatory requirements, the Clinic is unable to assist in the following areas:
- Debt
- Immigration
- Any formal steps in the proceedings such as service of the claim form.
- Preparation of witness statements, interim applications and hearings, as well as any other formal step in proceedings.
- Representing clients in courts or tribunals. This is for both educational and professional reasons.
There may be other circumstances where we are unable to accept a case due to insufficient resources. By submitting the enquiry form we will be able to assess and confirm whether we can assist you.
Can I drop in at any time?
The Legal Clinic is appointment-only. We cannot accept any walk-in enquiries. Please use the form to contact us in the first instance. We will then arrange a mutually convenient time to meet.
Is the Clinic regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority?
The Legal Clinic is student-led and unregulated. Students volunteering in the Clinic are, therefore, ‘non-authorised persons’. Clinic students offer legal support under the supervision of members of staff. The University cannot guarantee the accuracy of the advice given, and we strongly recommend that you also seek advice from a qualified lawyer.