Introducing Manchester Free Legal Help

  • 30/01/2015

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Manchester Free Legal Help, a new and innovative pro bono project, has opened on the 2nd floor of the Manchester Civil Justice Centre.

The Centre is a unique partnership between The University of Manchester’s School of Law and Manchester Legal Services, with the support of LawWorks and Manchester Law Society. The project aims to provide assistance to those who need legal advice and support but are unable to afford it, or are not entitled to Legal Aid. We do this by linking clients with the most appropriate support service, or pro bono lawyer, for legal support and advice and in some cases representation.  We aim to enhance existing services by providing a comprehensive network and a clear and effective pathway between pro bono providers. The Centre aims to assist clients in taking the shortest route to the most appropriate advice for their needs, thus saving time and resources.

We understand the impact of legal aid cuts on both clients and the legal profession, and accept that our service should not be seen as a substitute for LSC funding.   Our project is committed to ensuring litigants in person receive access to justice.

We have been delighted with the support we have received from local Law Firms, Chambers, the Judiciary and other voluntary agencies.  We are still actively looking to involve as many volunteer lawyers as possible to assist in providing free legal advice and support.

This could be through providing brief advice to clients by email or telephone, or by acting as a referral point to send clients for face-to-face advice sessions. The level of commitment is entirely up to the individual and any support in the project is greatly appreciated.

Volunteering at Manchester Free Legal Help could enhance law firms’ corporate responsibility objectives.  In addition it could give trainees and junior lawyers the opportunity to gain valuable skills through interaction with clients.

If you are interested in finding out more, or supporting this project, please contact:

Dinah Crystal OBE
Centre Director
[email protected]
or the Project Coordinator, Clare Johnson and Project Intern, Alex Kelly by emailing
[email protected]
Alternatively you can call us directly on 0161 2405034.