BPP law students launch pro bono legal advice clinic for residential property disputes

BPP University law students have launched a new pro bono legal advice clinic in London, for people going through residential property disputes.

Under the supervision of a qualified solicitor, BPP students advise members of the public on matters related to residential property tribunals, which helps to develop essential skills such as client interviewing and advising, while also providing a valuable service to the community. Any member of the public who is facing a residential property dispute is eligible to attend a 20-minute free advice session.

Tony Martin, supervising solicitor of the BPP clinic, said: “This is an exciting development for us. The law and procedure is quite complex in the first-tier tribunal (property chamber) and many litigants in person struggle with their cases. Law students are ideally placed to give advice and BPP University ensures that they are properly supervised and supported.”

Meanwhile, Veronica Barran, deputy regional judge, commented: "At the first-tier tribunal in London we are delighted that BPP University is providing a drop-in clinic for our users. Landlord and tenant, and housing are difficult areas of law and unrepresented parties at this tribunal can struggle to put their case and to provide relevant evidence. Respondent tenants can be fearful of losing their homes. There are few sources of pro bono or affordable help in residential property cases and our case officers are relieved to be able to tell litigants in person that help is available at the BPP University London Legal Advice clinic in our tribunal centre. Judges and members of the tribunal welcome pro bono help as, when parties are more confident and focused, hearings run more efficiently and the overriding objective of dealing with cases fairly and justly is more easily achieved."