Law students to get unique role helping the vulnerable
Thursday 24 June 2010
Students will get vital practical experience working with disadvantaged people thanks to a unique tie-up between the University of Surrey and a legal advice centre in Guildford. People facing traumatic situations like domestic violence and evictions will benefit from help the law students will provide at the Surrey Law Centre, a charity which offers specialist legal help, advice and representation to those people who cannot afford to pay for private legal advice.
Where other universities run law clinics within their departments, the University’s School of Law has gone one step further by joining forces with the Law Centre so giving students invaluable real-life experience which, while benefiting the community, will also help in their future working lives.
The Surrey Law Centre’s new home in Chertsey Street, Guildford, will be opened on July 12. In the evening a public lecture will be given by Cherie Booth QC at the University.
Cherie Booth QC said: “Law Centres are important as a basic matter of access to justice. I think for law students the ability to meet real people and start applying the law that you’re learning in theory is a vital part of becoming a well-rounded lawyer”.
Professor Rosalind Malcolm, head of the School of Law at the University, said: “Most students, while at Law School only get a chance to get work experience which can be quite limited. But Surrey law students will be able to work for extended periods of time at the Law Centre gaining valuable experience in handling client enquiries, interviewing clients and giving advice under supervision. This experience, so early in their training to become lawyers, will enhance their future opportunities of training contracts, pupillages and work in the legal professions.”
Laura Melbourne, manager of the Surrey Law Centre, commented: “Our new centre just off the High Street will enable us to help even more people, especially with the assistance of Surrey’s law students for our solicitors. We are now more centrally located in Guildford to enable easier access for clients. The work we provide is vital for those unable to pay private legal fees. We directly save the taxpayer money by providing specialist legal advice, for example, for every eviction avoided, we help avoid £34,000 in costs.”
The Surrey Law Centre, which helped 2,600 people last year, will be able to place four students across the academic year. The School of Law at the University already has a high employment rate for students who graduate which will be further enhanced by the scheme.
Notes to Editors:
The University of Surrey’ School of Law already operates a Professional Training Placement as part of its undergraduate courses by organising placements at law firms which is aimed at improving employability and it particularly encourages students to work abroad for this part of their degree. Currently, Law at the University of Surrey is equal 11th (with Oxford) in the employability league tables (Hefce data).
Photographs of both the opening of the Surrey Law Centre premises and the Cherie Booth’s public lecture will be available.
Press and photographers are welcome to attend either event on 12 July.
Media enquiries: Howard Wheeler, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: 01483 686141 or E-mail: h.wheeler@surrey.ac.uk
The University of Surrey is one of the UK’s leading professional, scientific and technological universities with a world class research profile and a reputation for excellence in teaching and research. Ground-breaking research at the University is bringing direct benefit to all spheres of life – helping industry to maintain its competitive edge and creating improvements in the areas of health, medicine, space science, the environment, communications, defence and social policy. Programmes in science and technology have gained widespread recognition and it also boasts flourishing programmes in dance and music, social sciences, management and languages and law. In addition to the campus on 150 hectares just outside Guildford, Surrey, the University also owns and runs the Surrey Research Park, which provides facilities for 140 companies employing 2,700 staff.
The Sunday Times names Surrey as ‘The University for Jobs' which underlines the university’s growing reputation for providing high quality, relevant degrees.
Surrey is a member of the 1994 Group of 19 leading research-intensive universities. The Group was established in 1994 to promote excellence in university research and teaching. Each member undertakes diverse and high-quality research, while ensuring excellent levels of teaching and student experience. www.1994group.ac.uk
Media Enquiries
Howard Wheeler, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: +44 (0)1483 686141, or Email mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk
