Anglia Ruskin University’s Law Clinic, set up in 2018, works with local law firms to provide free, independent and confidential legal advice to people who otherwise might struggle to obtain it. Since its inception they have helped over 1,000 clients across Cambridge, Chelmsford and Peterborough.
The clinic also includes a website to help local residents negotiate the often-daunting court system when dealing with family law matters. The site is designed so that people in the county, who either have a hearing in the family court or questions about legal processes, can easily obtain the information they need.
Find out more below.
The Law Clinic offers free, independent and confidential legal advice and support to people facing family law matters across Chelmsford, Cambridge and Peterborough – giving communities vital access to justice. We can also assist with employment law matters in our Cambridge clinic.
With recent cutbacks to public funding for Legal Aid, we work collaboratively with local legal professionals, advice agencies and student advisors to meet some of the unmet need for initial legal advice.
Support@Court is our new joint project with Cambridge and District CAB where experienced students working in teams of two will offer you information, guidance and moral support through the court process.
The Law Clinic seeks to:
- Offer specialist professional advice to clients
- Offer practical and moral support and assistance to those appearing in the family court without a solicitor or barrister
- Work in partnership with wider legal communities and various other organisations to improve access to justice in our area
- Develop capable and confident law students with practical knowledge, skills and experience to deliver legal excellence and impact
We take referrals from local organisations, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau Cambridge, or clients can also self-refer by booking an appointment or getting in touch directly.
In March 2019, we won the Excellence in Pro Bono award at the Cambridgeshire and District Law Society’s annual awards and in May 2019 we were highly commended runners up in the Best New Pro Bono Activity in the LawWorks National Student Pro Bono Awards.
“Excellent idea which benefits all parties. I, as a client, I’ve received quality advice at no cost, students have gained invaluable real-life experience, solicitors/barristers get to explain benefits of their services and help untangle the ‘mystery’ of law. I was treated with friendliness and utter professionalism and respect.”
Anonymous client, 2019
