Northumbria
University law graduates highlight the transformative impact of EduCourt, an
innovative collaboration between the University's award-winning Student Law Office and His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals
Service (HMCTS).
The
pioneering project provides valuable support for unrepresented individuals
navigating family court proceedings, addressing the growing number of Litigants
in Person (LiPs) following legal aid restrictions, while providing students
with unprecedented hands-on experience and delivering vital public legal
education.
Student
Gus McGloin described the dual impact: "Before I got involved with
EduCourt, I had never been inside a courtroom and had no idea how the courts
operated. However, being given the opportunity to not only go to a courtroom,
but also present in one, was insightful and bolstered my presentation skills.
Being in a courtroom also enhanced my presenting, as I could physically see
what I was talking about and describing which I feel helped massively."
Recent
graduate Freya Herbert echoed this sentiment, describing the project as
"rewarding" and transformative for her professional development.
"It has given me the opportunity to present to clients in a real court
room, allowing me to develop my public speaking and confidence when approaching
a court room setting," she explained.
The
unique nature of EduCourt extends beyond traditional clinical legal education,
offering students networking opportunities with legal professionals. Freya
added: "It has further allowed me to network with several family Judges in
the area, as well as other members of court staff, who have offered their
advice to us as aspiring legal professionals."
Fellow
graduate Imaya Pathirana emphasised how the project enhanced her practical
skills while serving the community: "My role involved delivering
presentations to Litigants in Person, providing them with information on what
to expect at family hearings and how to conduct themselves. These sessions
helped make the court process feel more accessible for attendees."
The
40-minute sessions, held in actual courtrooms at Newcastle Civil and Family
Court, introduce LiPs to key elements of the court process, including legal
terminology, courtroom roles, conduct expectations, and preparation tips.
Louise
Dodd, Clinical Supervising Lawyer at the Northumbria Student Law Office,
highlighted the dual benefits: "It's great to see such positive feedback
from our recent graduates reflecting on how working in our law clinic has
enhanced both their learning experience and career prospects, and help provide
a valuable community service.
“EduCourt
not only helps LiPs, although there is a strong focus on this, but anyone
contemplating or currently in proceedings for example those who are represented
but nervous about attending court - and we have had professionals attend also.
Our student-centred approach helps plug a gap in the legal sector, certainly
here in the North East, where no comparable initiative previously existed.”
Since
2005, Northumbria's multi award-winning Student Law Office has managed more
than 10,000 enquiries, represented more than 3,000 clients with real legal
problems and secured over £1.7 million on their behalf.
