Free legal advice service opened

It hoped the clinic will improve students' employment prospects

A free legal advice service for members of the public is being launched at the University of Liverpool.

Advice will be offered to the city's local community by final year law students working under the supervision of qualified solicitors.

The Liverpool Law Clinic will be officially opened by the former attorney general Lord Goldsmith.

Clients can make appointments to talk about landlord and tenants' rights, personal injury and employment rights.

The clinic, which has been launched in conjunction with the Student Pro-Bono Society is supported by 25 volunteer solicitors from local law firms who will be on hand to supervise students and oversee the advice they give.

Professional practice

Professor Anu Arora, Dean of the Liverpool Law School, said the service would be extremely beneficial for all those involved.

"It will provide a free unique and accessible legal advice service to members of the public and the student population.

"But it will also provide our law undergraduates with the opportunity to develop legal skills within a practice context and thereby maximise their employment prospects on graduation."

The university said the clinic would operate in a similar way to that of a professional high street practice and adhere to all professional protocols including the Solicitor's Code of Conduct.

It is located in the Student Advice Centre on the second floor of the Guild of Students on Mount Pleasant near the city centre.