Student Law Office joins top North East firms on awards shortlist

THE Student Law Office at Northumbria University, Newcastle, has been shortlisted alongside some of the biggest legal names in the North East for its valuable contribution to the local community.

The service, which provides free legal advice to some of Newcastle’s most vulnerable members of society, has been shortlisted in the Pro Bono/Community Initiative category at The Northern Law Awards 2015. These awards celebrate the legal talent and success within the region.

Students offer advice and assist clients with a range of legal issues, with legally qualified supervisors overseeing each case. Participation in the clinic is hugely valuable for the students’ academic and professional development, while also providing a vital service to the local community.

The initiative has won a number of awards and last year Northumbria University was presented a highly prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize for the work of its Student Law Office.

Carol Boothby, director of the Student Law Office, said: “To be shortlisted in the Northern Law Awards 2015 is tremendous achievement for the Student Law Office here at Northumbria University.

“The awards recognise the best of the best in the North East’s legal sector and to be considered alongside top firms is a huge boost for all involved, and is testament to the invaluable service being offered to the public by our students.”

Carol added: “The students provide a lifeline for many people in Newcastle who simply can’t afford legal representation. To have this work recognised yet again demonstrates how important the work of the Student Law Office is to the local community.”

The Northern Law Awards winners will be announced at a black tie awards dinner on Thursday, 11 June, at the Biscuit Factory.