FORMER attorney general Lord Goldsmith was in Liverpool last night to launch a free legal advice service for members of the public.
The Liverpool-born barrister, who has just taken up a new post with a top American law firm in London, gave the opening lecture at the Liverpool Law Clinic to students and senior members of the legal profession.
Advice will be offered to the city’s local community by final year law students at Liverpool University, working under the supervision of qualified solicitors.
Clients will be able to make appointments for advice on a range of issues, including landlord and tenants’ rights, personal injury and employment rights.
Before the lecture, Lord Goldsmith said: “This is a great project and good for the students because it means they get to do real law.
“It’s also good for the clients, because they get advice under professional supervision, and good for community out-reach, demonstrating the university cares about the people who live in the area.�
Lord Goldsmith, who attended Quarry Bank - now Calderstones - school, added: “I’ve got huge affection for Liverpool and am looking forward to being here next year when Capital of Culture takes place.
“I am very proud of my connections with Liverpool and it’s great to see how well the city is doing.�
The clinic, which has been launched in conjunction with the Student Pro-Bono Society, is supported by 25 volunteer solicitors from local law firms who will be on hand to supervise students and oversee the advice they give.
Professor Anu Arora, Dean of the Liverpool Law School, said the service would be extremely beneficial for all those involved.
“It will provide a free, unique and accessible legal advice service to members of the public and the student population.
“But it will also provide our law undergraduates with the opportunity to develop legal skills within a practice context and thereby maximise their employment prospects on graduation.�
The university said the clinic would operate in a similar way to that of a professional high street practice and adhere to all professional protocols including the Solicitor’s Code of Conduct.
It is located in the Student Advice Centre on the second floor of the Guild of Students on Mount Pleasant near the city centre.