THE University of Liverpool launches the Liverpool Law Clinic today with a lecture by former Attorney General Lord Goldsmith.
Some of the city’s biggest law firms have pledged their support to the clinic, which has been set up by the university’s Law School and the Student Pro Bono Society to offer free, impartial legal advice to the public and students.
Liverpool-born Lord Goldsmith, president and founder of the Bar Pro Bono Unit, will give a keynote lecture at 6pm this evening on the importance of pro bono work.
As many as 80 second and third-year law students will take on cases for clients at the clinic, supervised by volunteer professionals from Halliwells, Berrymans Lace Mawyer, Brabners Chaffe Street and Morecrofts.
The clinic is the only one of its kind in Merseyside, and one of only a handful of initiatives that exist in the country.
Chair of the clinic, Dr Samantha Currie, said: “The benefits for us are two-fold. First of all, students will get some practical legal experience and the chance to work with real clients.
“It will also benefit the local community with a free, reliable legal service.�
Third-year student Pinar Akyol said: “It will be different for us to get that practical experience as well as studying the academic side.�
“It is one thing sitting in lectures being told things, but it will be great to be able to apply that and put it into practice,� added second-year student Luke Taylor.
The clinic was successfully piloted earlier this year.
On-the-spot verbal advice will not be dispensed by the students, as clients will attend an appointment to be interviewed by two student advisors with a solicitor present.
Following the meeting, the students will research the query and draft a letter of advice to the client, which will be approved by the supervising solicitor.
In addition to the support of the participating firms, the clinic has received funding from the University of Liverpool’s Reach Out Growth Fund and from the Friends of the University of Liverpool. Local chambers, 7 Harrington Street and Atlantic have also provided financial support to help establish the clinic.
Appointments can be made by telephoning 0151 794 3842 and leaving a message, or emailing lawclinic @liverpool.ac.uk
There is also an online appointment request form on the clinic’s website at www.liv.ac.uk/law/clinic
The clinic launches today and will see its first clients on October 22, to open in term time on Tuesdays and Thursdays.