The University of Winchester and a firm of local solicitors are combining once more to offer an expanded series of free legal advice sessions after a pilot scheme proved a great success.
Earlier this year the University’s Faculty of Law Crime and Justice teamed up with the Winchester office of Dutton Gregory LLP Solicitors to offer free family law advice to the public.
As before, all advice will be provided free by qualified lawyers. Trained law students will be on hand to assist, learn and observe.
Issues covered in the advice sessions will include:
The University recently became a member of the national charity, LawWorks, which provides guidance and support to free law clinics.
Dean of the Faculty, Bill Davies, said: “Free legal work is often described as ‘pro bono’ which is a shortened form of the Latin phrase ‘pro bono publico’, which means ‘for the public good’. One of the University’s core purposes is to serve the common good and we hope this new project will provide much needed help for the people who use it.
Senior Lecturer in Law, Stephen Hurley, who co-ordinates the project, and is also a qualified solicitor, said: “We are delighted to be linking up once more with Dutton Gregory on this project which proved a great success when it began in March.
“Our first series of advice sessions provided a brilliant opportunity for the law students to gain real world experience and client contact to complement their academic learning and to make a difference in their local community. The expanded role of the Legal Advice Centre will also be a major benefit to our growing number of postgraduate law students on our new LLM Legal Practice Master's course.
“We hope this service will be regular part of the University calendar for years to come.”
Jonathan Whettingsteel, who heads the Family Law department at Dutton Gregory, added: “I'm so pleased that the legal advice clinic is back for a second year. Last year, was the first time the clinic had been run and was a real success. This gave the students an invaluable opportunity to see real client interviews, whilst also allowing me to provide free advice to those in need.
“It's a privilege for myself and Dutton Gregory Solicitors to be able to support such a fantastic initiative and support the Winchester Community.”
Advice sessions will run on Monday afternoons this semester: 11, 18 and 25 November and 2 and 9 December. All appointments must be pre-booked and take place in person at the King Alfred Campus of the University. Sessions are available to University staff and students as well as members of the public. To book a session follow this link.
Back to media centre