Sheffield law students help improve access to justice through new court initiative
University of Sheffield law students are helping improve access to justice through a new initiative offering free support to people navigating the court system without legal representation.
Students from the University of Sheffield's School of Law are helping people navigate the court system through a new initiative offering free support to those without legal representation.
The Sheffield Court Help Desk brings together students from the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, working in partnership with Sheffield's Combined Court Centre to support people representing themselves in court, known as litigants in person.
Students receive training to act as 'McKenzie Friends', providing practical guidance to help court users understand legal documents and navigate court procedures, without offering legal advice.
Dr Emma Jones, Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Sheffield, said:
"We are delighted to have a group of around 30 students working with the University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University and the Combined Court Centre in Sheffield to support litigants-in-person through their court journey. This both provides our students with important and valuable skills and helps promote access to justice in the Sheffield area."
The initiative offers students valuable practical experience while helping make the justice system more accessible to the local community.
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