FreeLaw
FreeLaw is a free legal advice clinic based in the School of Law at the University of Sheffield. It's led by law students and a supervising solicitor checks over all of the advice before it is issued.
FreeLaw is a student-led legal clinic providing free legal advice to all members of the public, including members of the university as well as charitable organisations and small businesses. Our advice is overseen by qualified solicitors who are also faculty members at the School of Law.
FreeLaw covers most areas of law from contractual disputes, to housing, employment and much more. FreeLaw can also assist with referring clients to a firm or organisation that is more capable of handling their specific case if necessary.
Unfortunately FreeLaw members cannot advise on matters of Criminal or Immigration Law. We are unable to provide any financial advice or pursue a claim against The University of Sheffield, its Governors, employees or students.
We may also decide not to take a case forward if it falls outside of the clinic's expertise, if there is a conflict of interest, or if urgent assistance is required.
Due to the nature of the service, FreeLaw cannot provide urgent advice to clients. The expected turn around time for advice is two weeks, although this can take longer during exam and vacation periods.
About us
FreeLaw was set up in 2008 and initially provided a referral service for those seeking legal advice. In 2011, Bartolome Lodge was fully restored at a cost of £150,000 and now provides a home for both FreeLaw and the Miscarriages of Justice Centre. The FreeLaw programme involves students undertaking legal research and providing free legal advice to the public and small businesses, under supervision from qualified solicitors, through two drop-in advice sessions each week during term time. The advice predominately focuses on Housing, Family, Employment, Consumer Rights, Contractual Issues, Personal Injury and Probate matters.
In 2012, FreeLaw won the Enterprise Award at the Student’s Union Academic Awards, in recognition of its work in the local community.
As well as improving the legal skills and employability of our students, FreeLaw provides an invaluable service to the Sheffield community, particularly in light of recent cuts to legal aid for the most vulnerable in our society.
The process
When an individual contacts FreeLaw with their issue, their case will be dealt with by a member of the FreeLaw group. This group will be the main contact of correspondence. FreeLaw offers a two-week timeframe between acceptance of the case and providing advice. This can be subject to change but is done very infrequently.
Standards and confidentiality
FreeLaw is committed to high quality legal advice and client care. Our advice and research is overseen by qualified solicitors who are also employees of the university.
It is important to us that the details surrounding casework remains confidential. However, from time to time, it may be necessary to discuss matters with members of the School of Law for the purposes of ensuring that our advice is accurate. In addition, a portfolio of our work may be prepared in relation to our academic studies. In those circumstances it could be than an external examiner from another university has access to sensitive information.
All those dealing with FreeLaw appreciate the importance of confidentiality and our use of that information is subject to our client’s instructions, the Data Protection Act 2018 and our duty of confidentiality
Affiliations with the University of Sheffield
Although the project is run by members of the School of Law, the clients and their cases are confidential and distinct from the university itself. Only authorised members of the Freelaw team will have access to client information.
Funding
The FreeLaw project is funded by contributions from the university, businesses and generous members of the community. A small budget is also provided by the School of Law.
To book an appointment slot you will need to email freelaw@sheffield.ac.uk and click on the link in the out of office message.
Slots are only available at the following times during term time : Wednesdays 1.30pm to 5.30pm and Thursdays 2.00pm to 4.00pm.
Unfortunately we only have a limited number of slots available.
Please note that FreeLaw is only available during University term time. More information about our opening times is available on the out of office message at freelaw@sheffield.ac.uk.
If you require legal assistance when the clinic is closed, the Citizens Advice Sheffield website lists all local clinics and advice centres, and has lots of useful information.
Alternatively, you could call the Langsett Advice and Resource Centre via 0114 233 5198 to see if they can assist over the phone.