Northumbria
University’s award-winning Student Law Office has partnered with His Majesty’s Courts
and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) to help individuals without legal representation navigate
the Court system.
The
innovative project responds to the growing number of unrepresented Litigants in
Person (LiPs) in family court proceedings, following legal aid restrictions
introduced under the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act
(LASPO). With many LiPs unfamiliar with court procedures and terminology, the
sessions aim to reduce anxiety and improve confidence and understanding before
hearings at the Newcastle Civil and Family Court without legal representation.
Delivered
by law students under the guidance of Clinical Supervising Lawyers (CSLs), Northumbria’s
Student Law Office offers vital legal services on a regional and national level
free of charge to members of the public, businesses and community groups. Under
this latest initiative, 40-minute sessions are held in an actual Courtrooms
where LiPs are introduced to key elements of the court process, including legal
terminology, courtroom roles, conduct expectations, and preparation tips.
Leanne
Sutherland, CSL at the Northumbria Student Law Office, explained: “These
sessions are about public legal education, not legal advice. We want to help
individuals feel more confident and better prepared for their time in court.
It’s about demystifying the process and ensuring people have access to the
tools they need to engage effectively with the legal system.
“It’s
also another great example of our law clinic providing students with valuable
hands-on legal practice experience with real clients – enhancing both their
learning experience and career prospects.”
With
no comparable initiative currently running in the North East, the service for
LiPs fills a vital gap by offering structured, practical support for those
attending Family Court hearings without a lawyer. While the project does not
replicate the work of organisations like Citizens Advice or Support Through
Court, it complements them through effective signposting and potential
partnership opportunities.
“It’s
not only LiPs who will benefit,” added Leanne. “Solicitors, advice workers and
volunteers will also gain from understanding how to refer clients for support,
helping to create a more joined-up approach to family law guidance in the
region.”
The
service includes tailored sessions for Applicants and Respondents, with
measures in place to avoid overlap for safeguarding and neutrality. Attendees
can request a detailed information pack following the session and will be
signposted to appropriate advice services for any further assistance.
Information
about the sessions is included with every Notice of Hearing issued by the Court
and promoted through Northumbria’s networks, including local law firms and
community advice agencies.
Since
2005, Northumbria’s multi award-winning Student Law Office has managed more
than 10,000 enquiries, represented more than 3,000 clients with real legal
problems and secured over £1.7 million on their behalf.
For
more information or to book a session or make an enquiry, please visit the Student Law Office website
