20 January 2016

Bristol student lawyers achieve 96pc success rate overturning 'fit for work' decisions

Volunteer student lawyers at Avon & Bristol Law Centre who are working to overturn UK Department of Work and Pensions 'fit for work' rulings are winning a staggering 96 per cent of their case load.

By Kathryn Higgins

www.BillionPhotos.com The team's attention-grabbing success rate is well above the national average of 59 per cent. Around 17 law students currently contribute to the Legal Advocacy Support Project, with each student usually working 2-3 cases at any one time under the guidance of a supervisor. According to Avon & Bristol legal adviser Andy King, the team's remarkable success has won 'well over' £100,000 in arrears payments for the centre's clients in the last two months alone. An independent evaluation of the project concluded that it provides 'a valuable model of response to the increased pressures being places on advice centres, many of which risk being overwhelmed by these pressures.' The assistance runs both ways, as the project helps law students to develop key employment skills, such as document drafting, client interviewing and case management, before entering the job market. Sources: Huffington Post ; Advice West

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