Liverpool John Moores University’s School of Law has offered a new service to provide legal help for free to the public and start-up businesses.

After the success of a pilot scheme earlier in 2014, Liverpool John Moores University is opening the new LJMU Legal Advice Centre. The service will be provided by students who are completing the Legal Practice course, raduate Diploma in Law and LLB programmes, with direct supervision from solicitors from local law firms. The areas covered will be family and employment law, with expansion into wills and administration in 2015.

A commercial wing of the centre will offer advice on issues affecting start-up businesses, including contract and intellectual property law.

Client will need to make contact by phone or online through a request form to arrange an appointment, followed by a face-to-face meeting with the case team. This will be followed up with a detailed letter of advice, typically within two weeks of the interview. The scheme is entirely free and completely confidential.

The local legal firms involved with the scheme are Weightmans, DWF, Heaney Watson, and Thompsons Solicitors.

Rachel O’Hanlon, senior lecturer and Legal Advice Centre co-ordinator said:

“We are thrilled that the pilot scheme was such a success.

“We were inundated with enquiries and we are delighted to be able to provide more advice on more matters to more members of the public, as well as extending the offer to start-up businesses.

“Our students not only gain essential experience in shadowing and assisting solicitors but are also applying what they learn in the classroom in the real world. This enhances their understanding of client care and professionalism and also helps support local people and businesses.”

For more details, visit: www.ljmu.ac.uk/law/legaladvice

The School’s pro bono initiatives are coordinated by Rachel O’Hanlon, Solicitor and Senior Lecturer, who is happy to be contacted with enquiries or suggestions about our services at: R.OHanlon@ljmu.ac.uk

To request an appointment with the Legal Advice Centre, visit www.ljmu.ac.uk/legal-advice-request

Source

Image Credit

Words: Peter Cribley