Law Clinic services
Our Law Clinic offers free, independent and confidential legal advice across Cambridge, Chelmsford and through our Zoom service, the UK more widely – giving communities vital access to justice.
We can support people with family, personal injury, employment and immigration law matters.
In Peterborough, we offer an Intellectual Property clinic (face-to-face appointments only).
What we do
With recent cutbacks to public funding for Legal Aid, we work collaboratively with local legal professionals, advice agencies and student advisors to meet some of the unmet need for initial legal advice.
The Law Clinic seeks to:
- offer specialist professional advice to clients
- offer practical and moral support and assistance to those appearing in the family court without a solicitor or barrister
- work in partnership with wider legal communities and various other organisations to improve access to justice in our area
- develop capable and confident law students with practical knowledge, skills and experience to deliver legal excellence and impact.
"I’m very thankful that this service is available. It has given me wonderful advice and courage in what is a stressful situation. I have more confidence going forward because of the advice I have received."
How we can help you
Our Law Clinics can offer you free legal advice about family law, employment law or immigration matters, including:
- relationship breakdown
- separation or divorce
- child contact arrangements
- unfair dismissal or discrimination at work
- immigration law queries.
Support@Court is our further project where experienced students working in teams of two will offer you information, guidance and moral support through the court process. This is a drop-in session, available in Cambridge Magistrate's Court service every Wednesday from 9.30am-1pm. There's no need to book for Support@Court.
How to use our service
We take referrals from local organisations, such as Citizens Advice, or you can self-refer by booking an appointment.
To book your free 30-minute appointment, either face-to-face or online by Zoom:
- email [email protected]
- or call 01223 698498.
We'll assess your enquiry to make sure we're the right fit. We will then get in touch with you directly to arrange an appointment with the appropriate lawyer.
"Excellent idea which benefits all parties. As a client, I’ve received quality advice at no cost, students have gained invaluable real-life experience, solicitors/barristers get to explain benefits of their services and help untangle the ‘mystery’ of law. I was treated with friendliness and utter professionalism and respect."
An award-winning service
We won the Excellence in Pro Bono award at the Cambridge and District law Society's annual awards, in both 2019 and 2021.
In May 2019 we were highly commended runners-up in the Best New Pro Bono Activity in the LawWorks National Student Pro Bono awards.
Further sources of information
You can also access information and guidance on family law in Cambridge, Essex and Peterborough courts through these websites:
- Cambridge Family Court Help and Information
- Essex Family Court Help and Information (https://www.essexfamilycourtsinfo.co.uk)
- Peterborough Family Court Help and Information