Community law clinic launches at Solent

Working in collaboration with award-winning solicitors, Dutton Gregory, Solent Law Clinic is launching on Tuesday 11 February at the University's city-centre campus on East Park Terrace.

This new initiative will not only meet community needs and boost student skills but reduce pressure on existing services. By utilising the resources and expertise of both Solent University and Dutton Gregory, the Law Clinic has been designed as a front-line service, directly addressing the challenges communities are facing.

Focusing on family and housing law, the Clinic will run every week, on a Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, for appointments booked in advance via Solent's website. Course Leader Law, Brad Kershaw, says:

"As a civic university, it is in Solent's DNA to work collaboratively to make a meaningful contribution in Southampton's communities. We want to ensure our city prospers, and the Law Clinic aims to break down barriers to legal advice and deliver an accessible service which benefits everyone involved.

"Not only will this clinic benefit our local communities, but it will also give students experience that they can take forward into their future careers in law. Our student volunteers have shown a huge commitment to this initiative already, and it is heartening to see a strong sense of social responsibility on display at Solent."

The service will be supported by four LLB (Hons) Law students, who are volunteering their time to enhance their studies and experience, overseen by Solent alumni, Partner and Head of Family Law at Dutton Gregory, Jonathan Whettingsteel.

An advocate of Solent, Dutton Gregory is set to offer eight hours a week of in-kind support to the Clinic, ensuring city residents receive an informed and high-quality service. Jonathan says:

"Following changes to legislation, access to publicly funded legal advice has dramatically reduced since 2012, and this clinic is going to provide much-needed support to those in need, who might not be able to afford the cost of solicitors."

As a Solent law alumni, Jonathan is a natural champion of the University's students, recognising how valuable opportunities like these are. He says:

"Students are not just the future of Dutton Gregory, but of the legal profession as a whole. As well as being able to help give students an insight into life as a lawyer, I personally feel I can learn a lot from them about how they want the legal industry to look.

"The Law Clinic is going to provide students with a chance to undertake interviews with real clients, giving students experience that they wouldn't usually be able to obtain. For me, this shows how progressive Solent University is; producing graduates with practical experience, making them even more employable."

Four law students will be supported by two business undergraduates, tasked with overseeing the administrative aspects of the Clinic. Third year LLB (Hons) Law student, Paris Montrose, says:

"Working in a law clinic that provides pro bono services is something I have always desired to do since knowing I wanted to work within the law. I was brought up by a single mother from a working-class family, and having the opportunity to aid individuals who require help is an invaluable experience, especially as an aspiring lawyer.

"The clinic will give me skills that will be incredibly valuable when moving further into my career, from empathy to legal analysis, and problem-solving in real-life cases."

Find out more about Solent Law Clinic, and book an appointment, here.