Students studying LLB (Hons) Law at Leeds Beckett University have provided legal support over 900 times this year through a partnership with legal charity, Support Through Court.
Support Through Court exists to provide practical and emotional support to people facing court alone without a lawyer and those unable to access legal aid. The support given by students extends the charity’s capacity to deliver essential services to those in need. The partnership has a profound impact on local communities, ensuring that individuals facing legal challenges are not left to navigate the court system alone.
Dr Rachel Dunn, Course Director of Pro Bono and Employability at Leeds Beckett University, said: ‘Leeds Law School is thrilled that our partnership with Support Through Court is helping so many members of the community, who otherwise would struggle to navigate the court system and access justice.
‘’Our students have gained valuable skills from their work with Support Through Court and continue to grow in confidence and employability. Our partnership will continue to develop and further our joint social justice ethos of helping those who need it. ‘’
Students from Leeds Beckett gain work experience through the partnership, allowing them to provide legal support to those going through the civil and family court system. They do so through a telephone service, face-to-face appointments, and attending court hearings, all of which will help them develop the skills necessary to work in the legal field.
Support Through Court’s CEO, Emma Taylor, said:
‘‘Every year, thousands of people in the UK face court alone. Often through no choice of their own, they must represent themselves at a moment that could have life-changing outcomes such as loss of access to children or homelessness.
We are delighted to be working with Leeds Beckett University to ensure that as many people as possible have the support they need as they go through court without a lawyer. We are grateful to work in partnership and provide opportunities for students at the same time.’’
Student volunteer, Reece, said: ‘’If you want valuable legal experience to boost your CV and to help kick start your legal career Support Through Court is the best way to start. Offering experience in legal form filling, client meetings and attending hearings, it is the most accessible way to witness the Legal system first hand. From one student to others, I highly recommend volunteering and getting stuck in. This is overall the best extracurricular opportunity to hone in on valuable skills for the legal profession.’’
Leeds Beckett University says that it places importance on its role as ‘an anchor institution’ in Leeds and the wider region, maximising the benefit its presence delivers to local communities.
