Pro bono - York
At York we recognise that the best way to learn is by practical real life experience. We have a flexible and varied programme to give all students the opportunity to enhance their legal education and career prospects.
Who runs it?
Pro Bono activity at York is run by the Centre for Pro Bono Services and Clinical Education. Our staff team comprises two solicitors, a trainee solicitor and an office administrator. All work undertaken is fully supervised.
Meet the team
Lindsay Ward
Pro Bono co-ordinator
Supervising solicitor
Helen Metcalfe
Pro Bono administrator
Laura Milner
Streetlaw
Supervising solicitor
Paul Roebuck
Streetlaw
Trainee solicitor
Which students do it?
Pro Bono work is suitable for every student at the College and there are a range of activities available. All lawyers have to have the skills to communicate, listen, research, draft and advise – we support you in learning to do all these things.
We conform to the appropriate professional standards and follow the office procedures that are used in practice; so the learning experience can be transferred into any office environment in which the students will work in the future. All students wishing to do Pro Bono will be able to do so and many do more than one scheme.
During the academic year 07/08 182 students participated in Pro Bono work. This number represented 32% of all students, full-time and part-time. These students provided advice to 225 clients and Streetlaw presentations to over 450 people.
Where do we do it?
The centre is located in room K at York. We run schemes in York, Leeds and Doncaster as well as offering an on-line learning experience to those students who are not located in these areas. Our schemes vary and we are keen to expand them so watch these pages for changes. If students have ideas for new activities we are keen to hear from them. *indicates wheelchair access
What do we do?
Legal Advice Clinics (LPC & GDL)
Publications (LPC & GDL)
Streetlaw (LPC & GDL Practice Related Activity choice)
Shadowing Schemes
Your day in court (LPC & GDL)
Legal Advice Clinics (LPC & GDL)
The LACs offer individuals the opportunity to receive legal advice in the form of a letter. We work in partnership with external agencies offering services to people from diverse backgrounds. Working in pairs you will interview the client, identify the issues, research the law and draft a letter of advice. All work is supervised and we cover a wide range of legal queries.
If you choose a LAC you will be put on the rota for one session of a LAC during the academic year, unless you indicate you would like to do more
- Doncaster Women’s Centre (DWC): each week Wednesday 1 - 3; appointment only; women only*
- YMCA Doncaster: each week Thursday 1 – 3; drop-in
- New Beginnings Doncaster: Notified 3 working days in advance to take place Wednesdays 1 – 3; appointment only*
- Castlegate York: Notified 3 working days in advance to take place Thursdays 5 - 7; appointment only*
- Independent Domestic Abuse Services York: Notified 3 working days in advance to take place at different times; appointment only*
- Leeds Asylum Clinic: First Wednesday in the month 1 – 4; drop-in*
E-mail advice: We have a number of clients who access our services from areas other than York. Their instructions are taken by telephone or e-mail and then the advice is given in the same way as the LACs, although some students choose to work alone. Students are notified when work comes in and liaison can be done by e-mail.
All clients receive at least two letters from the students and should receive their full letter of advice within 14 days of instructions being taken.
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Publications (LPC & GDL)
The Centre contributes to a regular publication in Doncaster and also produces leaflets for partner agencies. Students are notified when work comes in and liaison can be done by e-mail. Timescales vary.
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Streetlaw (LPC & GDL Practice Related Activity choice)
Streetlaw is a legal literacy scheme aimed at raising awareness of legal rights and responsibilities within the community. Students are supported by the staff in the Centre who work with community groups to identify legal concerns. Students work in teams of 4 to produce interactive workshops and presentations on legal topics. Skills acquired include legal research, client care, drafting, file management, team work and presentation/communication techniques. Our clients include prisons, Doncaster Women’s Centre, schools and residents groups Students who choose Streetlaw will be allocated one topic to work on. There may be opportunities to do more and all students will be notified. Some*
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Shadowing Schemes
HARP and Leeds duty solicitor scheme (LPC & GDL)
Working in partnership with the Housing Advice Resource Project in York and solicitors in Leeds, the students shadow advocates who are on the Duty Possession schemes at York and Leeds County Courts. The schemes ensure that tenants and home-owners facing possession proceedings receive free advice and representation.
The students shadow the advocates at court, observing them, taking instructions, advising and representing in court. In some circumstances the students may have the opportunity to attend the clients to take instructions.
York: Participating students are allocated three consecutive slots – more may become available. Dates are notified once we have the court dates*
Leeds: You sign up on the basis of being slotted in to the rota and we notify you of the date allocated. Initially one slot is given during the year more may be available and all participating students are notified*
Police station scheme (. LPC & GDL. Must have transport and live within 45 minutes of Harrogate)
Sean Hutton, Associate Professor, participates in the duty solicitor scheme in Harrogate and allows the students to shadow him at the police station and court. The scheme gives students the opportunity to observe the work of an experienced criminal practitioner. You sign up on the basis of being slotted in to Sean’s rota and we notify you of the date allocated. Initially one slot is given during the year more may be available and all participating students are notified.
Court Visits (LPC)
Students have the opportunity to shadow District Judges at York County Court. One slot only. If more become available all PB students are notified*. Limited numbers
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Your day in court (LPC & GDL)
Working in partnership with the international law firm, Eversheds, local colleges and youth organistions the students undertake a challenge in the Crown Court. The schemes enable students to participate with individuals from the local community and trainee solicitors from Eversheds. The challenge takes place in a local court with a Judge. It is an enjoyable and worthwhile experience, particularly for those who wish to become advocates in the criminal courts.
The students work with the participants taking the roles of prosecutors, defence advocates and witnesses. The storyline is devised by Eversheds and there is some introductory training for the participants prior to the event. This occurs in the Easter holidays*. Limited numbers
For more information contact: lindsay.ward@lawcl.co.uk
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