News
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‘The right to assistance - the public duty to assist’ - by Jane Krishnadas
Published 27/03/2017
Dr Jane Krishnadas explains the foundations of CLOCK, The Community Legal Outreach Collaboration, Keele. CLOCK was formed as an umbrella of professional public, private and third sector organisations, to develop a new role ‘the Community Legal Companion’, premised upon the McKenzie Friend principles, to safeguard the litigant- in-person’s rights to assistance and access to legally-aided and affordable legal services, within the shared commitment to access to justice.
Are you currently running or interested in developing a pro bono clinic in the South East?
Published 16/03/2017
The LawWorks Clinics Programme provides support and assistance to free legal advice clinics, supported by volunteer lawyers. They are looking to looking to hear from people in the South East of England who are currently running a pro bono clinic or interested in developing a new clinic.
Finding free legal advice
Published 14/03/2017
We are starting to create a signposting page with links for finding free legal advice around the UK. If you are aware of any websites we can add to this page please use the comment feature below or email [email protected].
Update from the LIP Engagement Group
Published 14/03/2017
The Litigant in Person Judicial Engagement Group provides the HMCTS Reform Programme with views from the advice and pro bono sectors in the development of the HMCTS reform programme. Here is a summary of the Group's meeting held on 23rd November 2016.
LIP Service: Court based LIP information sessions run by university students in Bristol.
Published 13/03/2017
Students from the University of Bristol, the University of Law and the University of the West of England are holding information sessions for LIPs explaining the court procedure, what you can expect in court and what you need to do in preparation for the court hearing. The sessions run weekly at the Bristol Civil and Family Justice Centre and include a tour of the court.
LASPO Review
Published 10/03/2017
The Lord Chancellor has announced that the LASPO review will commence shortly.
PLE tools and resources
Published 10/03/2017
PLE resources available for use.
Citizenship Foundation
Published 10/03/2017
Citizenship Foundation’s latest blog explains the importance of triggering article 50 and why it is important for it to be explained in our schools.
Law for Life
Published 10/03/2017
Law for Life has worked with many organisations to provide training for intermediaries, informal advisers, or problem-noticers as to how to help the people they come into contact with deal with common legal problems.
Funding for your organisation
Published 08/03/2017
Just a few pointers on where to get started when looking for funding, including how to write bids and possible sources of funding including open funding rounds.
The Access to Justice Foundation Distribution Principles
Published 27/02/2017
Information on the ATJF's criteria and preferences regarding applications for funding. The trustees generally expect to hold two grants rounds a year with deadlines in November/December and February/March. Each round will be announced on the Foundation’s website. Please note that these distribution principles are subject to the discretion of the trustees and may be changed at any time. The current version will be published on the Foundation’s website. The trustees do not accept any duty or liability to any person seeking funding.
Litigant in Person Engagement Group
Published 22/02/2017
The Litigant in Person Judicial Engagement Group provides the HMCTS Reform Programme with views from the advice and pro bono sectors in the development of the HMCTS reform programme. The Group covers the Civil, Family and Tribunal jurisdictions and is mindful of the increasing number of LIPs in criminal courts.
In depth guides for people going to a court about a family issue
Published 21/02/2017
Advicenow have created a series of easy-to-use step-by-step guides for people struggling to deal with family issues. Mary Marvel, Head of Policy and Communications at Law for Life, explains how the guides work and where to find them.
RCJ Advice – Self Booking Appointments
Published 17/02/2017
RCJ Advice are pleased to have developed and started a new online triage and self-booking service which enables clients to book their own appointments online at a time that suits them within availability.
Volunteering opportunities with RCJ Advice.
Published 17/02/2017
For anyone interested in volunteering at RCJ advice we have an “about us” brochure for information on roles available and a standard application form. RCJ Advice is a unique Citizens Advice service covering legal services in the Royal Courts of Justice and Central London Family Court and deliver Citizens Advice Islington. We are able to provide a wide range of volunteer experience.
Make Our Rights Reality
Published 15/02/2017
Make Our Rights Reality (MORR) is a national project from Youth Access which teaches young people about their rights and gives them a voice to challenge injustice.
New Personal Support Units
Published 14/02/2017
New PSU services in 2016 include Bournemouth, Chester, Newport and West London Family Court: these services are currently part-time, and opening hours vary, so please check the PSU website for details.
Welsh Government set out plan to improve advice services
Published 14/02/2017
The Welsh Government has just published an Information and Advice Plan, working together with the National Advice Network and others. It sets out how they aspire to work together to improve access to the quality assured services which people need. Published December 2016.
‘Using a barrister’ guide from the Bar Standards Board.
Published 14/02/2017
The Bar Standards Board has developed a comprehensive guide for consumers about what to expect from a barrister. ‘Using a barrister’ features useful information to help consumers understand what a barrister is, what they do and how they may be able to help.
Spotlight on: Norfolk’s Family Court Support Service (FCSS)
Published 14/02/2017
Judi Lincoln, Advice & Volunteer Manager at the Norfolk Community Law Service tells us about their Family Court Support Service (FCSS) for private law, child contact matters.
