Northumbria Law School has supported National Pro Bono Week by raising £164 for regional organisations who are working to improve access to justice for the most vulnerable in society.
More than 60 current and former students and academics from the award-winning Student Law Office held a charity quiz at Nancy’s Bordello in Newcastle. The proceeds will be split between the North East Legal Support Trust (NELST) and the Personal Support Unit. NELST are a fundraising and grant giving organisation who distribute funds to organisations who support those in need of legal advice but cannot afford it whereas the Personal Support Unit assist people going through court proceedings without legal representation.
Since 2008 The Student Law Office has received more than 3,000 enquiries, represented over 1,000 clients and secured in excess of £1 million on their behalf. The service is run as a full legal service just like any other firm of solicitors. Practising lawyers closely supervise the students' work and have overall responsibility for ensuring that clients receive a professional service.
In 2013 Northumbria University was awarded the highly prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Further and Higher Education for the outstanding community work of the Student Law Office.
Ana Speed, Solicitor Tutor in the Student Law Office and NELST committee member, said: “As a pioneer and leading exponent of clinical legal education, The Student Law Office provides free advice and representation for clients who may otherwise experience difficulty securing legal support. Alongside the Office’s community aims, it also offers an outstanding learning experience for the students and can enhance their career opportunities significantly”.
“Working with our partners to raise funds for pro bono support is therefore extremely important and something we do on a regular basis. Events like our recent quiz night are also fun and rewarding for the participants.”
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