GCU Law Clinic triumphs in Community Champion Awards

GCU Law Clinic, a student-led initiative which provides free legal advice, has made the final of the Evening Times Community Champion Awards after winning a regional heat.

The clinic, which offers help to people who do not qualify for legal aid and cannot afford professional advice, was announced as the joint winner of the Public Services' category for the North West region of Glasgow.

Students and staff who run the clinic will now go on to compete in the final in November.

Claire McFadzean, academic director of The Law Clinic, said: "I am extremely proud of work of our current LLB managers and volunteers as well as the many students who have volunteered over the years and have directly contributed to our success.

"The Law Clinic is not about winning awards but it is lovely recognition for all our students."

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.

The clinic opened a drop-in base in the Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow for 10 weeks between February and April this year.