The Family Law Project ("FLP") provides students with the opportunity to assist clients at the Family Court in Luton. Students will advise litigants in person, and as a result, they will learn how to identify legal issues, speak to vulnerable clients, and provide emotional support to those who require it. The FLP provides students with the rare opportunity to work with clients on real-life cases under the supervision of qualified lawyers.
Students will be supervised by mentors from several organisations such as Machins, Duncan Lewis and Family Law Works, providing students with a fantastic opportunity to network with potential employers. Students may also have the chance to see the case being presented before the Judge.
Why is the Family Law Project required?
Recent cutbacks to public funding for Legal Aid have resulted in a system where many people have to represent themselves at hearings. The FLP aims to tackle this disadvantage by assisting clients as follows:
- offering assistance, practical and emotional, to clients appearing in the family court without legal representation;
- working with legal communities to improve access to justice in the area;
- taking attendance notes for clients;
- identifying the relevant issues;
- assisting clients to understand the area of laws of their case;
- providing emotional support and practical knowledge to clients.
Benefits for the Student
- Develop their communication and teamwork skills when speaking to legal professionals and clients;
- Gain practical skills, such as learning to take attendance notes and identifying the legal issues in a case;
- Develop relevant skills, experience, and practical knowledge;
- Strengthen their legal connections, developing relationships with legal professionals in Luton;
- Gain a practical insight into the legal system and legal roles in the courtroom;
- Make a difference in people鈥檚 lives.
Students will receive a full induction if their application is accepted by the FLP, including a visit to the Family Court.
How to sign up?
It is a privilege to be selected to volunteer at the FLP, and as such it is expected that you will be committed to the role.
This will include attending the Family Court in Luton on a weekly basis on Monday. Clients will be relying on students to attend the FLP and so it is important that they are not let down.
If you are interested in the Family Law Project, please email sarah.hayward@beds.ac.uk