Family Legal Advice Clinic
Keele Family Law Advice Clinic is a pro bono service that is part of Keele University Law School. We offer free, independent family law legal advice to members of the public, including advice in respect of: Relationship breakdown, separation and divorce Children's private law arrangements Grandparents, stepparents and Special Guardians Local authority children's services' involvement We are not able to deal with urgent matters. Students will take initial instructions, draft attendance notes and letters of advice and assist with basic documentation under the supervision of a solicitor employed by the University.
Please note that the clinic does not undertake casework or represent clients at court/within proceedings. We can signpost you to other legal service providers who may be able to do so.
Supported by Rebecca Dennis-Benn, Operations Coordinator (Legal Advice Clinic)
Free Family Law Advice Clinic
We provide free, independent family law advice to members of the public. Our service covers:
- Relationship breakdown, separation and divorce
- Child arrangements (private law)
- Advice for grandparents, stepparents and Special Guardians
- Local authority (children’s services) involvement
Please note:
- We cannot assist with urgent matters
- We do not provide ongoing casework or court representation
- We can signpost you to other organisations for further support
Further Information and Support
- OnlyMums & OnlyDads – Support for separating families
onlydads.org.uk | www.onlymums.org - Resolution – Free guides, videos and resources
resolution.org.uk - “101 Questions Answered About Separating with Children”
A practical self-help book for parents (£ approx. £22) - Cafcass – Advice on children's welfare in family proceedings
- Family Lives – Confidential advice line: 0808 800 2222
familylives.org.uk - Family Rights Group – Support for families involved with social services
frg.org.uk - SupportLine – Emotional support helpline: 01708 765200
supportline.org.uk
All client meetings are pre-organised appointment only-appointments can be in person at our Keele in Town building in Newcastle-under-Lyme or remotely via MS Teams
Contact us here.
Student Volunteering – Keele Legal Advice Clinics
Keele Legal Advice Clinics are open to Level 5 and 6 students as an extra-curricular opportunity. Applications open once a year, with shortlisted students invited to an assessment centre/interview.
Students can choose to participate in a chosen area of Law and opt-in to support our Personal Injury Clinic alongside their chosen clinic.
Successful applicants attend training covering client interviewing, legal research using practitioner databases, and providing practical legal advice. Students may also draft legal documents and advise clients both in writing and in meetings.
This experience supports your professional development and can be recorded on your HEAR, and may count as Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) for the SQE.
Supervised by Michele Brown, the Family Law Advice Clinic offers experience advising individuals on:
- Relationship breakdown
- separation and divorce
- Children's private law arrangements
- Grandparents, stepparents and Special Guardians
- Local authority children's services' involvement
Students work under solicitor supervision, taking client instructions, drafting notes and advice, and preparing basic legal documents.
The clinic runs a weekly appointment sessions at Keele In Town, alongside pre-arranged meetings (online or in person).
Students should be available for around 4 hours per week.
Students also have their own dedicated space within the School of Law to work on any matters confidentially or to meet with clients via MS Teams if they wish to use it. To book this space please contact Rebecca (Add Photo of desks here)
If you have any questions please contact Rebecca Dennis-Benn on legal-advice-clinic@keele.ac.uk
Follow us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/keele-university-legal-advice-clinic-a168b140a
