GCU Law Clinic opens at Buchanan Galleries

Shoppers at one of Glasgow’s busiest retail centres can now access free legal advice at a pop-up law clinic.

GCU Law Clinic, a student-run initiative which provides free and confidential legal advice, will be based within the Buchanan Galleries for the next 10 weeks.

The students, who are studying law at Glasgow Caledonian University, will offer help to people who do not qualify for legal aid and cannot afford professional advice.

The team will be based in Good, on the first-floor of the centre, which showcases the work of community organisations across the west of Scotland.

Louise Thomson, of GCU Law Clinic, said: “We are delighted to be taking the clinic off campus and expanding our work in the community.”

The law clinic provides general legal advice, can draft legal letters, represent clients in court and negotiate on behalf of clients in contractual disputes.

The students specialise in housing, employment, and contract law, but can provide assistance with other areas of law excluding criminal, family and immigration law.

All of the advice provided by the team of student volunteers is supervised by a qualified legal practitioner.

As well as its casework with clients, the clinic has an outreach team which works with local schools, educating children on how the law impacts on their lives and their rights and protections.

Next month, the student-run initiative will compete against some of the biggest names in the legal profession for a prestigious award.

The clinic has been shortlisted in the Community Contribution category at the Scott & Co Legal Awards 2018 alongside Digby Brown Solicitors, Anderson Strathern and the Faculty of Advocates.

GCU Law Clinic will be available at Good every Wednesday, from 11am to 4pm, until the end of April.