Geldards Pro Bono support for Queen Mary University’s SEN Legal Advice Centre
Pro Bono Week (6th– 10th November 2023) celebrates the voluntary contributions of the many legal professionals who provide free legal ‘pro bono’ advice to individuals and charities, supporting those most in need and ensuring the most disadvantaged people in society get access to justice.
During Pro Bono Week Geldards is shining a light on some of the ways local charitable causes have benefited from pro bono advice.
Geldards London-based Education team provide ongoing support to law students at Queen Mary University’s specialist SEN clinic in the University’s Legal Advice Centre. The centre offers free legal advice to members of the public, staff and students as well as running community outreach projects and public legal education initiatives led by the students on a range of legal issues.
Geldards specialist Education team works with the law students who run the Special Educational Needs and School Exclusions Clinic helping them to gain a better understanding of SEN issues. Working closely with the student body, Geldards offer mentoring to help students gain valuable skills, such as appropriate questioning, to fully understand clients’ needs and obtain clear client instructions.
As part of Geldards pro bono support, lawyers attend meetings with students and their clients providing relevant advice and guidance. Following initial client meetings Geldards take a supervisory role helping students to craft detailed advice letters, ensuring the best possible guidance for parents/carers of children with special educational needs.
This collaborative partnership between the law students and Geldards Education team provides students with valuable real world experience. The clinic is a teaching and learning environment and Geldards support helps equip students with the skills and knowledge to confidently advise clients on a child’s special educational needs and issues relating to an Education Health & Care plan.
Last year Geldards lawyers provided over 250 hours of pro bono advice equating to an impressive £75,000 worth of free legal advice. To celebrate Pro Bono week Geldards has relaunched its Pro Bono policy to reaffirm its commitment to supporting local communities and enhancing social value.
To find out more about Pro Bono week 2023 please click here.