About us
The Legal Advice Centre is part of UEL School of Law and Social Sciences. It is an educational facility for students and an advice service to members of the public. The Law Centre provides free legal advice to the East London community to those who are unable to pay for such legal services or obtain legal advice under the legal aid.
The Centre aims to deepen the ties the School of Law and Social Sciences has with the local community whilst providing legal experience for the next generation of lawyers. The Law Centre is run by Law Students who are overseen by the Centre Director and supervisors in conjunction with volunteer lawyers ensuring that the quality of advice remains high.
The Director and Supervisors are responsible for such matters as training, development and administration. The Centre is overseen by an Advisory Committee consisting of members of the School of Law and Social Sciences and partner organizations. The Centre is also supported by local solicitors who provide their services on a pro bono basis.
Who are our Supervisors?
The Supervisors of the Centre for 2011/2012 are:
Alan Wilson
Augustina Akoto
Barry Collins
Patrick Hassan-Morlai
Our Services
The Centre is only able to assist clients in particular areas of law. At present we can only provide written advice on the following areas:
Contract Consumer transactions, Employment issues, Land Lord and tenant disputes Social Security / welfare benefits
What the Centre does?
We aim to advise clients on their legal position and the options available to them to resolve their legal problems. As an advice service we do not undertake any representation of client’s cases in courts or tribunals. We do however act as a referral agency to other organisations that may take on your case without charge.
The Centre can provide clients with written legal advice, drafting letters, or speaking to other parties on your behalf to assist your case. We are also able to give you advice and assistance on the correct procedures and forms to fill in where you are representing yourself in a civil matter.
All the services provided by the Centre are free. The Centre gives priority to those cases which do not qualify for legal aid or you cannot afford a solicitor. We may also take on your case if we feel that there is no other assistance available to you from other agencies.
If you are unsure whether or not we can help you, please contact us.
How the Centre works?
The Centre operates an appointment only service and during term time only. All enquiries are considered individually to ensure that they meet the criteria at the Centre. Following your first contact with us we will obtain initial information from you about your case in order to consider whether we will be able to offer you an appointment. If so, we will contact you to agree a suitable time and date for your appointment, to meet with you and investigate your case. You will also be asked to bring all relevant documentation with you to your meeting.
What happens at the interview?
The first stage is an interview. You will not receive any legal advice at this time. You should bring with you all relevant documents to the interview .You will be interviewed by two Student Advisers. All communication between you and your advisers will be in the strictest confidence, and your file will be securely stored in line with Data Protection requirements.
What happens after the interview?
After the interview, the Student Advisers and a supervisor will review your case and send you a letter to inform you whether or not the Centre can take your case.
If we are able to take your case, the Student Advisers will research your case and compile their findings, draft advice and the possible options available to you. They will then report back to the Director (or a supervisor who will consult with relevant qualified members of staff and experienced lawyer) to ensure the advice is accurate.
You will then receive a letter outlining your case and the options available to you. Once you have decided which course of action to follow, the Student Advisers will be available to write letters and communicate with others on your behalf.
All Student Advisers undertake extensive training provided by the Centre from staff and by LawWorks, one of our partner organisations.
Our limitations
The Centre reserves the right not to give advice in any particular case. In the event of the Centre being unable to help, we will offer to refer your enquiries to other agencies or organisations which may be able to assist.
As an advice service we are only able to offer written advice to our clients. We do not undertake any representation of client’s cases in courts or tribunals. We do however act as a referral agency to other organisations which may take on your case without charge.
The Centre will not be able to assist you in any way where your dispute is with the School of Law and Social Sciences, the University or it members of staff.
If your matter is urgent and you require immediate legal advice, you should contact a solicitor or other agencies that may be able to provide emergency advice and/or assistance.
