A unique legal clinic that opened in February and provides free legal advice to the community – as well as invaluable experience for law students – is in the running for a national award.
The University of Southampton’s Global Legal Clinic is shortlisted in the national LawWorks Pro Bono Awards 2024.
The clinic’s Legal Director, Dr Omar Madhloom, is also shortlisted for an award.
The legal clinic officially opened in February and already has 150 students involved in providing free – or pro bono – legal services to university staff, students and the wider public on matters including personal injury, family law, landlord and tenant disputes, consumer rights, and animal and environmental rights. It is currently handling about 70 client cases.
Dr Madhloom said: “It’s a huge achievement and we are really proud to be shortlisted in the LawWorks awards, especially as we only established the legal clinic this year.
“Our clinic is unique in the breadth of work and projects we are involved in internationally. We provide face-to-face legal advice, but we are also involved in community engagement, and environmental law. It also provides invaluable experience for our students, giving them extra training and developing their confidence and employability.”
In partnership with Lawyers Against Poverty, law students are working with communities across the UK to empower them through public legal education. The clinic also works with the UK Centre for Animal Law, the Global Pro Bono Bar Association, and supports research by the Environmental Law Foundation. And they collaborate with clinics at other universities in countries including France, Peru and South Africa.
Maddy Nicholl, 19, a second year LLB Law student and Vice Director of the legal clinic, said: “Gaining practical legal experience can be almost impossible in such a competitive industry. Handling individual cases as though I were already qualified has provided invaluable real-world experience, and the clinic’s experienced solicitors oversee all work so students can practice with confidence.”
Lizzie Brooke, 20, is in her second year studying LLB Law with Psychology. She said: “Participating in live client cases, interviewing clients and conducting research has greatly improved my confidence in client communication as well as my research skills.
“The clinic and Dr Madhloom have provided me with so many other opportunities such as panel events and talks that help increase my knowledge of the law and allow me to network. Being a part of the clinic is my favourite part of my time at university.”
Students from the university’s Global Legal Clinic offer face-to-face and virtual appointments, with free legal support.
The clinic is sponsored by Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors (HJA). Daniel Denton, a partner at HJA who is also shortlisted in the LawWorks awards along with HJA, said: “The University of Southampton’s Global Legal Clinic has made a significant impact, and I am delighted to see its fantastic work with the local community being recognised. Dr Madhloom and the students have shown outstanding dedication, making this initiative a resounding success. The clinic not only benefits the community but also gives students a significant advantage, equipping them with practical experience and honed skills that set them apart in the competitive job market.”
The University of Southampton Global Legal Clinic is shortlisted for Best Contribution by a Pro Bono Clinic. Dr Omar Madhloom, Associate Professor and Legal Clinic Director, is shortlisted for the award for best contribution by an in-house team or an in-house solicitor.
The winners of the LawWorks Pro Bono Awards 2024 will be announced on Wednesday 4 December 2024.
