Legal aid supported by University law students

The Community Legal Helpdesk is run by Law students who are supervised by a qualified lawyer, providing free information and guidance to members of the public involved in legal disputes. Family, small claims housing and employment problems are the most common queries. Each week three drop-in sessions at Exeter County Court offer free services which include assisting in court hearings, explaining court procedures, completing court forms and signposting to sources of legal or other advice. 

When the cuts to legal aid come into effect at the beginning of April, the demand for services like the Helpdesk will increase, as the cuts will mean that those who have previously received support will no longer have access to lawyers. The impact of the forthcoming cuts in legal aid will be far-reaching and affect local people who need help and advice with legal problems in the areas of family law, employment and debt. 

This year’s Wainwright Walk is led by one of Britain’s most distinguished lawyers Baroness Helen Kennedy QC, who has spent her professional life giving voice to those who have least power within the system, championing civil liberties and promoting human rights. Baroness Kennedy said:”The removal of the provision of legal aid for a whole range of areas under the Legal Aid Punishment and Sentencing of Offenders Act from the end of this month, will lead to a vacuum in support for many people who are vulnerable or in need. “

She added: “I have set up a legal advice centre and know the sort of real resource it can provide. The Community Legal Helpdesk, which is run by law students at Exeter County Court, offers those people who are in need, direction as to procedure and general help when they are going through the legal process. It is unique in that there are not many other student legal advice clinics actually based at the local Court. Its location provides on-the-spot help for clients. One of the real benefits is also for students who take part in this sort of work is that they gain an understanding as to the way that law impacts upon the lives of others.”  

Baroness Kennedy QC has close connections with the University of Exeter, as she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in 2012.

The Community Legal Helpdesk has been in existence for just over a year and has handled 150 cases, supporting people like Scott with a family law matter concerning child custody. Professor Sue Prince, law lecturer at the University of Exeter explained: “Scott’s application was successful and he was granted a shared residency order. He also used a service which meant that one of the student caseworkers attended the court hearing with him. Another example of the people that the Helpdesk have supported includes Jeff, who was assisted in making a claim against a company which had repeatedly failed to effectively repair his laptop; his claim was later settled through mediation and he was awarded damages.”

She added:“The Community Legal Helpdesk has just been short-listed for a national award as Best Student Pro Bono Project and the students and staff will be at the Awards ceremony in March at the House of Commons. It is a testimony to the enthusiastic work of our students that we have been short-listed.”

Charlotte Brasher, the Student Director of the Community Legal Helpdesk, has been involved in the project since its inception and believes passionately that the Helpdesk is vital to maintaining access to justice. She said:”Exeter is comparatively small, with limited resources for members of the community. Because of this fact, there is a great deal of unmet legal need, which of course is where the Helpdesk comes in.The Wainwright Walk celebrates the service that the Helpdesk provides, raising important funds and of course, awareness of this fantastic project within the community.”

The Wainwright Walk will start at the University of Exeter Streatham Campus at 2pm, and will arrive at Exeter Court at 4.30pm. To make a donation please visit the Justgiving webpage.