Keele's pioneering Legal Advice Clinics offering free consultations to those in need have expanded into family law with the launch of a new service.
The Family Legal Advice Clinic will see Keele law students, under the supervision of qualified solicitors, offering free, independent family law legal advice to members of the public, giving students valuable work experience to prepare for their legal careers.
The new Family Legal Advice Clinic complements Keele's existing clinics in commercial, small claims, and personal injury law. The sessions will run on an appointment-only basis on Wednesday afternoons during term times, starting on 30th September 2026.
Run from the University's Keele in Town building in Newcastle-under-Lyme, as well as virtually on Microsoft Teams, the clinic is a pro-bono service offering advice on issues such as relationship breakdown, separation and divorce; children's private law arrangements; grandparents, stepparents and Special Guardians, as well as local authority children's services' involvement.
Students will take initial instructions, draft attendance notes and letters of advice, as well as support with basic documentation and signpost clients appropriately, under the supervision of a solicitor employed by the University.
Although staff and students from the clinic cannot take on cases or represent individuals in court, they can also signpost clients to other legal service providers and/or support agencies, where this is appropriate.
Michele Brown, Supervising Solicitor for the Family Legal Advice Clinic, said: "Through the Family Law Advice Clinic, students gain invaluable hands-on experience that builds their professional confidence, enhances their employability, and helps them develop the practical skills required for legal practice.
"Working directly with clients enables them to appreciate the realities of family law while making a meaningful contribution to people seeking support with family law issues.”
