Attorney General visits pro bono hub and Student Law Office at Northumbria Uni

Students from Northumbria University's award-winning Student Law Office recently had the chance to meet Attorney General Dominic Grieve QC MP as he visited the university and LawWorks’ regional offices.

Northumbria was the deserving winner of ‘Best Contribution by a Law School' at the 2014 LawWorks & Attorney General Student Pro Bono Awards - the third time it has won the award. As part of their studies, around 200 students a year undertake supervised work on real cases through the Student Law Office, which has represented more than 1,000 clients and secured over £1 million in compensation since 2008.

In 2011 LawWorks launched its North East Pro Bono Hub, operated from - and in partnership with - the law school. It helps source free legal advice for individuals and groups who are not in a position to pay.

Grieve said: "LawWorks and the legal profession across the North East must be congratulated on the excellent pro bono work they carry out on behalf of local communities. I was also delighted to visit the Student Law Office here at Northumbria and was extremely impressed by the dedication, enthusiasm and quality of work. The students should be proud of their achievements and I hope that they continue to carry out pro bono as they move forward in their future legal careers."

Kevin Kerrigan, executive dean at the law school, said: "The attorney general’s visit here today is further recognition of the value of our clinic-based Student Law Office. As part of their degrees, the students provide vital legal services to the community, while developing a deep understanding of law, justice and professionalism. The experience can give them a clear career advantage over others, and the legal assistance they provide transforms the lives of those they help."