The Charles Russell Speechlys Family Law Clinics
The Charles Russell Speechlys Family team run two remote legal advice clinics each week. The first, in partnership with Plymouth Citizens Advice, runs on a Thursday and has done since November 2019. The second, in partnership with the South West London Law Centre, runs on a Wednesday and has done since May 2023.
Our dedicated pool of volunteers (nearly 20 strong), supported by our trainee and solicitor apprentices, ensure that the rota runs all year round. The clinics offer a vital source of legal advice to those who would not otherwise be able to afford it, covering the full gamut of private family law, assisting those at different stages including initial help and signposting, to input for those who are in proceedings. We help in relation to many issues in relation to arrangements for children, as well as divorce and financial arrangements. The service adds crucial capacity to the system where it is needed most. Plymouth is a legal advice ‘desert’ meaning there is no free family law advice offering in the area, save for this clinic. The few who are eligible for legal aid often have difficulties in finding a legal aid lawyer to represent them, particularly if they need help quickly. Whilst London does have a number of clinics, demand far outstrips supply.
In our line of work, we can often lose sight of what the Family Justice system looks like to a significant portion of the population who do not have access to legal advice or support. It is a real privilege to be able to do something about that, both on an individual level but also as a wider team effort. We estimate that since the clinics started, we have been able to assist approximately 700 individuals.
On that note, we must also say a big thank you to the special group of lawyers at Hunters and Withers who kindly volunteer their time to each run clinic sessions each Thursday. Not only does this mean Plymouth Citizens Advice are able to offer three times as many appointments, it is also part of a wider pilot we are running to try to scale and expand the model – so watch this space.
