Essex Law Clinic
Essex Law Clinic offers free initial advice about legal problems and gives our students the chance to work with
practising lawyers to advise real clients.
Our patron
The Essex Law Clinic was opened by Shami Chakrabarti, director of human rights organisation
Liberty and Essex honorary graduate. She remains our patron.
Free and confidential advice
Members of the public, our students and University staff can use the Essex Law Clinic to get free initial advice about a legal
problem they are facing.
We offer an initial consultation to our clients to find out their legal position and advise them on what steps they can take to
remedy the issues.
We operate by appointment only and an initial assessment will be made by the Clinic Manager in order to find out whether the
Clinic may be able to help. The client will then be asked to attend an appointment and bring with them all relevant documentation
relating to their legal issue.
Helping the community
We aim to benefit the local community by providing pro bono legal advice to members of the public. We do not currently undertake
casework or representation of clients in legal proceedings, but are able to refer clients to other legal services which may be
able to help with this.
Developing legal skills of our students
Our students benefit from taking part in the Essex Law Clinic as they have the chance to develop their legal skills in a practice
context. This will give them important legal experience which they can draw on when applying for jobs in the future. They also
receive thorough training before taking part in our work.
Confidentiality
All legal advice and assistance is given in the strictest confidence.
Standards
The Essex Law Clinic is not regulated by the Law Society of England and Wales and does not claim to be a solicitors practice.
All law students participating in the Essex Law Clinic receive thorough training and adhere to the Pro Bono Protocol.
Legal issues covered
We can advise on the following issues:
- Landlord and Tenant Disputes;
- Freehold and Leasehold disputes;
- Employment Issues;
- Consumer Issues;
- Contracts;
- Negligence.
We cannot take appointments for issues that concern immigration, criminal law, tax and debt.
Limitations of our work
We cannot assist any person wishing to pursue a claim against the University, its governors, employees or students. Nor can
we
assist in claims that may create a conflict of interest for the supervising law firms. We reserve the right not to give advice
in any particular case.
How to find us
We are based in the University of Essex Students’ Union Advice Centre off Square 3 of the Colchester Campus.
Contact details
The Essex Law Clinic is open for appointments during term-time only, on Wednesday evenings.
To book an appointment call the Students Union Advice Centre on telephone: +44 (0)1206 874030 or e-mail: fjharvey (non-Essex users
should add @essex.ac.uk to create full e-mail address).