North east law clinic in line for community honour

Northumbria University’s Student Law Office has been named as a finalist in a prestigious industry awards programme.

The Newcastle-based pro bono service, which provides free legal advice to the public, including to some of Newcastle’s most vulnerable members of society, has been shortlisted in the Law in the Community category at this year’s Halsbury Legal Awards.

The Halsbury Legal Awards – open to companies, firms and individuals practising in the legal profession – celebrate excellence in law across the industry.

All students on Northumbria Law School’s four year Masters level law degree course work in the SLO in their final year. Students offer advice and assist clients with a range of legal issues, with legally qualified supervisors overseeing each case. Participation in the clinic is valuable for the students’ academic and professional development and also provides a vital service to the community.

Since its inception in 2005, the Student Law Office has recovered more than £1million in compensation for clients, and received a highly prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2014.

Student Law Office outreach projects include Streetlaw, Legal Advice Byker, Gateshead Advice Project, North East Pro Bono Hub and in partnership with the Newcastle Personal Support Unit.

The Student Law Office won the Pro Bono Team of the Year title at the Halsbury Legal Awards 2013.

This year, it joins Hugh James Solicitors; the AIRE Centre; Just for Kids Law; and The Legal Advice Centre, Queen Margaret University in the Law in the Community category.

Carol Boothby, director of the Student Law Office, said: “Being shortlisted in the Halsbury Legal Awards is a tremendous achievement and a great honour.

“The awards celebrate the value that people in law bring to society, and recognise achievements across the whole profession. To reach the finals and to be considered alongside such high profile legal organisations is a huge boost to everyone involved.

“The nomination reflects the hard work of students and staff and the importance of the lifeline which we provide for people who simply can’t afford legal representation.”

The winners of the Halsbury Legal Awards 2015 will be announced at Grange St Paul’s hotel in London on 16^th September 2015.