Strathclyde Law Clinic appeals for more volunteer lawyers

Strathclyde University's pioneering student-run Law Clinic is appealing for additional support from volunteer solicitors and trainees to help run its initial advice clinics (IACs).

A key part of the clinic's service, the IACs have become increasingly well-attended over the last couple of years, and since September 2015 well over 100 clients have been given on-the-spot advice.

Help would involve attending at the clinic for two hours on the first Wednesday evening of every month, in Glasgow's Mitchell Library. "Last night we were run off our feet with only two solicitors there to give advice," said Clara Smeaton, student director of the clinic, "and they were still trying to speak to clients in the street after the library closed at 8pm."

Previous volunteering experience is not necessary before because general training will be provided, and the process is "very straightforward", Ms Smeaton added. "Clients who attend IACs only need basic/general legal advice so you don't have to be practising in the areas of law you'd expect to be asked about (employment, housing, etc)."

To offer help or ask for further information, contact Clara Smeaton at clara.smeaton.2015@uni.strath.ac.uk