Advice, Information and Funding Service Legal Advice Guide 2007/08
Student Advisers are not able to provide legal advice but the following services may assist you in finding the most appropriate advice for your circumstances. BLACKFRIARS SETTLEMENT, London SE1 – 020 7928 9521 Free legal advice on housing, debt, employment, consumer issues. By prior appointment only – Wednesday 6.30 to 8pm. CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAUX http://www.nacab.org.uk/ The above website details addresses and opening times for local Citizens Advice Bureaux, which offer free, confidential and independent advice. http://www.adviceguide.org.uk is the CAB website of advice and information on legal and consumer issues. The CAB assists with debt problems and consumer issues, benefits, housing, legal matters, employment and immigration. Advisers can help fill out forms, write letters, negotiate with creditors and represent clients at court or tribunal. Many bureaux provide specialist advice, often in partnership with other agencies such as solicitors and the probation service. COMMUNITY LEGAL ADVICE 0845 345 4345 http://www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk/ Community Legal Advice ensures that people can access the legal information that they require. The website has leaflets on key areas of the law, a directory of legal advice, and a search facility of local law firms by specialism. The service can also assist in finding low-cost or free legal advice. There is a legal-aid calculator to see whether you are eligible for free advice on basis of low income. CONSUMER ADVICE http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk Consumer Direct London provides practical advice and your legal rights as a consumer. There are also fact-sheets on Goods and Services and an adviser can be contacted Monday – Friday (Saturday am only) on 08454 04 05 06. THE ICSL ADVICE CLINIC The Advice Clinic at the Inns of Court School of Law, 2-10 Princeton Street, London WC1R 4BH, provides a free legal advice service to the public by student barristers & solicitors, supervised by tutors. Appointments can be booked for Friday, term-time only by telephoning 020 7400 3637. Your details should be left on their answerphone. IMMIGRATION LAW PRACTITIONERS ASSOCIATION http://www.ilpa.org.uk The ILPA was established to promote and improve the advising and representation of immigrants. They have lists of members who belong to the organisation. LAW CENTRES - http://www.lawcentres.org.uk Law Centres provide a free and independent professional legal service to people who live, work or study in the local area. Their website gives the addresses, opening times and exact location. The Law Centres nearest to our campus’ are Tower Hamlets (020 7247 8998) or Islington ( http://www.islingtonlaw.org.uk ) 020 7607 2461.
LEGAL RESOURCES IN THE UK AND IRELAND – http://www.venables.co.uk The site is completely independent and does not accept advertising or sponsorship of any kind. It provides links to legal resources, including law firms who offer initial legal advice by e-mail. PRO BONO Information about how to obtain free advice and representation from a barrister. There is an on-line application form. Bar Pro Bono Unit (Tel 020 7611 9500) http://www.barprobono.org.uk There is a Solicitors Pro Bono Group, but it does not accept applications from individuals http://www.probonogroup.org.uk SHELTER http://www.shelternet.org.uk This site has been developed by Shelter, the leading provider of independent housing advice in the country and the largest homelessness charity. Shelternet aims to provide clear, accessible information for anyone facing a housing problem, including housing rights for young people and advice on-line. If you need urgent advice call Shelterline on 0808 800 4444 daily between 8.00am to midnight. TIGER - Tailored Interactive Guidance on Employment Rights http://www.tiger.gov.uk This Department of Trade and Industry site is designed to provide a user-friendly guide through employment law, including the national minimum wage. TROUBLE AT WORK SITE http://www.troubleatwork.com This joint NUS/Unison site covers all aspects of employment, from how to motivate yourself and when to take screen breaks through to how to deal with a bullying boss or your rights to a written contract. The following websites also offer information on various aspects of employment law. ACAS Health and Safety Executive Commission for Racial Equality Equal Opportunities Commission Disabilities Rights Commission http://www.acas.org.uk http://www.hse.gov.uk http://www.cre.gov.uk http://www.eoc.org.uk http://www.disability.gov.uk
TUC Online http://www.tuc.org.uk/rights Gives detailed explanations about your rights at work and covers many other common workplace problems. Telephone 0870 600 4882 Other useful websites The Law Society
The Legal Services Commission Accident Line
http://www.lawsoc.org.uk http://www.lawontheweb.co.uk http://www.compactlaw.co.uk http://www.legalservices.gov.uk http://www.accidentlinedirect.co.uk
Disclaimer The content of this information sheet has been compiled using information from external sources as well as University data. The content has been carefully checked and is given in good faith. However, the University cannot accept responsibility for the consequences of any inaccuracy. Last updated July 2007