1. Student learning as public service

2. What is the Student Law Office? A law clinic – help with legal queries or problems Students acting as lawyers! Part of students’ education to become solicitors or barristers

3. From little acorns… the early years 1980’s Clinic starts as a voluntary advice service 1990’s Clinic becomes a compulsory part of the degree course for law Solicitor tutors appointed to run office

4. 2007 Move to City Campus East-Purpose built office space Over 170 exempting students per year 18 vocational course elective students 19 members of staff ( mixed academic and dedicated solicitor tutors) 2 full time admin staff

5. Q. What areas of law does the Student Law Office cover? A. Employment Housing Consumer Family Welfare Benefits Human rights Crime and miscarriages of justice Civil Prison law Charities Business advice

6. Q. Does the Student Law Office charge clients? A. No, our legal service is free, although clients are asked to cover any disbursements such as court fees, and reports.

7. Q.Does the Student Law Office have a website? Yes, go to www.studentlawoffice.co.uk where you can see examples of our work, and the awards the SLO has won. You can also e mail us on la.studentlawoffice@northumbria.ac.uk

8. Q. How many cases does the Student Law Office have? A. In the academic year 2008-2009 we received 742 enquiries from members of the public and businesses. The students were able to take on 316 of these enquiries. Normally we have over 200 active cases open, depending on the time of year.

9. Q. How are students assessed? A. Students are assessed on the basis of a practical file / portfolio they have completed during their time working on behalf of clients. They also complete a number of written reflections which are assessed alongside their practical work. Legal Practice Course skills requirements e.g. legal writing and interviewing/advising.

10. Q. How are students taught? A. In 2008-9 there were 171 undergraduate and post- graduate students supervised by 19 practitioner members of staff with the support of 2 administrators and two trainee solicitors. “Firms” of 6 students Weekly firm meetings, lectures, joint firm meetings and one-to-one

11. Q. Can the Student Law Office carry out litigation for clients? A. Yes, a judgement is made by the students and supervising lawyer based on the value and complexity of the case, but we can negotiate, issue claims, conduct the litigation, including in some cases representation at court

12. Q. Can the students represent clients at court? A. Where the students have rights of audience, and the supervisor considers that the case is suitable bearing in mind the interests of the client, the students may represent. This is normally includes small claims in the county court, some housing cases,and employment, criminal injuries and benefits cases which are heard before the appeals tribunal.

13. Case study 1 Mr S bought a hot tub online. It had a number of defects, including electrical faults. The SLO assisted Mr S in issuing a claim at the County Court. The court awarded his claim in full, and the money was paid by the hot tub company.

14. Case study 2 Mr L booked the holiday of a lifetime in the Himalayas, trekking with his son. The online travel company made a mistake in the flight booking times which meant he and his son missed the trek. The flight cost was refunded but not the cost of the trek. The Student Law Office represented Mr L at court and recovered the full cost of the trek and other lost expenses.

15. Case study 3 The SLO acted for MR G in respect of divorce proceedings against his wife based in the fact that the parties had lived apart for two years. We obtained in writing the wife’s consent to the divorce and reached an agreement on costs. The divorce petition was issued and we continue to act for the client with a view to making an application to the county court for the decree nisi.

16. Partnerships Links with local solicitors and barristers Not for profit groups such as law centres, CAB, Shelter, Age Concern Clinics in Czech Republic and New York

17. Cases taken on between September and March each year. Interviews by appointment only

18. Our High Profile Successes Alex Allen – overturning of robbery conviction Flett- employment tribunal Court of Appeal case on apprenticeships Obtained employment tribunal award for a mum sacked when her employer found out she was pregnant Students attended inquest and provided pro bono support to family of victim of overdose by GP

19. Awards Attorney Generals Awards for Best Pro Bono work in a Law School – winners in 2008 and 2010

20. Awards Times Higher Education Awards 2008 The Student Law Office was shortlisted in the category of “outstanding contribution to the community on the basis of its commitment to ensuring access to justice for local people who cannot otherwise afford legal advice and representation.”

21. Junior Lawyer Division Awards for Student Law Office staff 2009 Highly Commended for work with students on behalf of the public in the Student Law Office.

22. The way forward? Experiential learning is key to our degree course Benefits to the local community as well as to students Challenges ?