From Monday, 15 June, the students will be providing written and video advice online in five areas of law particularly impacted by the virus – carers, family, employment, consumer and housing.
The University’s Justice Hub and Legal Advice Centre has long provided vacation schemes but this year’s has been moved online because of the pandemic. Demand was high from students, with the number of placements in the scheme doubled.
“The scheme is giving 40 School of Social Science students the opportunity to have a virtual vacation scheme placement with the aim of producing short information videos to help the public in key areas that have been impacted by Covid-19,” said Claire McGourlay, Professor of Legal Education.
83 students applied for the scheme and the students who missed out on the vacation scheme will be able to take part in the virtual Manchester Free Legal Help scheme with volunteer lawyers, offering on-the-spot advice to clients in a wide range of areas of law. This virtual scheme is due to start on Monday, 29 June and students will have the opportunity to virtually triage clients and take a record of the solicitor’s advice.
Traditionally, students taking part in the vacation scheme spent a week working in the Legal Advice Centre and another undertaking employability sessions such as updating resumes and carrying out mock interviews with prospective future employers at the University of Law.
For more information
Twitter: @UoMJusticeHub
Facebook: @UoMJusticeHub
Website: https://www.socialsciences.manchester.ac.uk/connect/making-a-difference/justice-hub/
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