HomeThe Queen Mary Legal Advice Centre provides free legal advice to members of the public, students and College staff. The Centre operates for the mutual benefit of clients and students and is committed to enabling students to learn from practical experience.
What the Centre does
We advise clients on their legal position and what steps to take next. We do not undertake casework or representation of clients in the courts or at tribunals but we do act as a referral agency to other free legal advice providers who are able to offer representation. It is necessary to attend a legal advice centre such as ours in order to obtain this referral.
How the Centre works
The Centre operates an appointment only system. Enquiries are dealt with on a case by case basis and an assessment is made as to whether we can assist the client further. Once a case has been accepted by the Centre, an appointment is made where the client will come into the Centre with all the necessary documentation relating to their legal issue.
Advice is not provided on the night of the appointment as the client's advising team will spend time researching the legal issues and all possible options.
The advising team
The advising team is made up of two undergraduate law students, called Student Advisers and one qualified practicing solicitor who acts as the supervisor in the case. Student Advisers manage their cases from beginning to end, including interviews, research and the advice letter. The supervising solicitor and the Centre Manager, oversee all the students' work.
Confidentiality
All legal advice and assistance is given in the strictest confidence.
Standards
The Centre is committed to developing free legal services for the public whilst meeting the educational needs of the students. It aims to comply with the professional standards applicable to the legal profession. It is not regulated by the Law Society of England and Wales and does not hold itself out to be a solicitor's practice. It is however a member of LawWorks and is committed to the Pro Bono Protocol.
The advice is provided by students of the School of Law. The Centre is a member of LawWorks and is supported by 15 New Bridge Street, Bross Bennett, Field Fisher Waterhouse, Mishcon de Reya, Nabas Legal, Reed Smith and Simmons & Simmons.
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