Teesside University Law Clinic praised for commitment to community
At last night’s (Thursday 27 June) Northern Law Awards, Teesside University Law Clinic took home the prestigious Pro Bono / Community Initiative accolade.
The award recognised regional talent and the positive impact of the free legal advice and guidance administered by law students through Teesside University Law Clinic.
£163,000 of free advice was offered through the clinic in the 2023/24 academic year, supporting 63 vulnerable and underrepresented clients from the local community.
Students worked across a range of legal services including employment law, family law, civil disputes, tenants’ rights and wills under the supervision of experienced legal professionals.
They provided clients with advice which may otherwise have been unavailable to them, improving the accessibility of legal support within the North East.
The award category was competitive, with initiatives by DWF Law, Watson Woodhouse, Pepperells, Dr Joshua Jowitt and Newcastle University Law School shortlisted alongside Teesside University Law Clinic.
Senior Lecturer in Legal Practice within the Law School at Teesside University, Emma Harbron was also a finalist for the Law Teacher of the Year Award.
She accepted the Pro Bono / Community Initiative Award on behalf of Teesside University Law Clinic and said: “We are passionate about the important work undertaken through the Law Clinic and the value it brings to our community.
“This award reinforces our dedication to ensuring that everybody has fair access to legal advice, support and representation when they need it most, and we are proud to inspire others who share our commitment.”
The Teesside University Law Clinic initiative supports the development of the next generation of legal professionals studying at the Law School, providing valuable, real-world experience.
Angela King, Head of Department (Law, Policing and Investigation), added: “Through the Law Clinic, our students are encouraged and empowered to engage with real people on real-world cases.
“This practical experience is vital as they develop the knowledge and skills required of tomorrow’s legal professionals.
“We look forward to seeing current students follow in the footsteps of successful Teesside University law graduates, many of whom we were proud to see featured in the nominations at the Northern Law Awards.”