The clinic, which has been running since January 2015, is a student-led operation offering free legal support and assistance to members of the public on matters of housing, consumer and employment law.

The general public are invited to email their queries to lawclinic@beds.ac.uk or to contact 07702 338684. Those seeking legal advice should provide full details of their query in the email or voice message, including supporting evidence and a contact number. These queries will then be addressed and responded to on 24^th February, and 10^th and 24^th March.

Previously, the Law Clinic has offered its services in person at both the Luton and Bedford campuses. However, for February and March 2021 at least, the clinic will operate as a remote service instead, due to the social restrictions of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Samira Hussain, Senior Tutor in Law and the University’s Law Clinic Coordinator, hopes clients will make use of this helpful and accessible service. She said:

"The Law Clinic offers an invaluable service to the community, allowing our students the opportunity to practically apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their Law LLB (Hons) courses to help others.

"For clients, these bi-weekly Law Clinics give them an opportunity to confidently engage with free initial advice and support on matters relating to housing, consumer and employment law.

"I would like to invite those who are interesting in the Law Clinic’s services to visit our dedicated webpage, where they can find further information about how we are offering services despite the Covid-19 restrictions."

Working with other local service providers and assisted by trained staff, all the students running the Law Clinic have the necessary skills to support their clients. The clinic allows Law students at the University to gain practical experience and to engage with the wider Bedfordshire community.

Steve McPeake, Acting Head of Department of Law and Finance, believes one of the great strengths of the Law Clinic is how it engages students with their local community. He said:

"I feel it is imperative for the Law team, students and department to engage with the community in which it is set. Being able to continue that contact and engagement online during the pandemic is crucial so that we are there to support our community on issues that still impact and effect everyone regardless.

"The students can gain vital experience in dealing with real life issues and problems in a safe environment. The staff continue, as do the students, to engage with issues and continue their own professional development, whilst the department gains recognition for interacting with the community in which it is situated."

For more information about the Law Clinic, visit the website here.

With courses offered at both the Luton and Bedford campuses, studying Law with the University of Bedfordshire comes with a variety of opportunities, including the use of Moot Court for mock legal proceedings and participation in events and projects facilitated by the Centre for Research in Law.

For details about studying in the University’s Department of Law & finance, visit: www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/departments/businessschool/our-departments/law-finance