A model of clinic – assisting litigants in person

Paul McKeown & Sarah MorseNorthumbria University

Introduction

Outline of PSU Newcastle project

Exploration of clinical issues raised

Expanding the model across Europe (or beyond)

Personal Support UnitCharity based in England and Wales

Personal Support Unit

‘Our vision is that every person in England and Wales attending a court or tribunal alone should have access to a PSU volunteer.’

PSU (2012)

Personal Support UnitVolunteer Co-ordinatorTrained volunteers

Core volunteerStudent volunteers

Free and independent assistance to litigants without legal representation in civil and family matters

VolunteersListening to clients tell the story of what has happened so far as

well as what their current worries arePrompting clients to order their thoughtsTidying paperwork into a rational order and indexing itHelping clients to find out which forms they need to fill in, to

complete them if they know what they want to say, and to take the paperwork to the appropriate customer service desk or court office

Helping people find their way around court or tribunal buildings and offices

Assisting in discussions with court or tribunal staffGoing into court or tribunal hearings with clientsSignposting clients to free legal advice or representation, or to

access relevant advice onlinePSU (2012)

PSU NewcastlePartnership between PSU and Northumbria

Law SchoolRationale:

Provide more clinical opportunitiesExposure to court environmentCommunity Engagement

AdvantagesWider community

Eases stress and helps litigants remain calmAccess to Justice?

StudentsDevelopment of soft skillsFamiliarity with courtExposure to public service ethosEmployability

University Increase capacity for clinical activityLow maintenance/Low riskMarketing

DisadvantagesNo legal advice is given

Student experience?Helpful to client?

Access to Justice?

Is it really clinic?

Clinical Legal Education is ‘learning through participation in real or realistic legal interactions coupled with reflections of this experience’

Kerrigan and Murray (2011)

Other jurisdictionsUSA

Various models across the countryLawyers providing pro bono legal assistance

AustraliaJustice Connect

Self-representation service Due to commence July 2014 4 years of Federal funding

Growing clinics across Europe (and beyond)Could this model of clinic be utilised in your

jurisdiction?

Would it solve any issues you currently face?

Would this model create any problems?