Launched in January 2025, the University of Bedfordshire Family Law Clinic was founded to bridge a widening gap in access to justice. Cuts to legal aid have left many people unable to afford legal representation, particularly in family matters where emotions run high and the consequences are deeply personal. The clinic offers free advice and guidance to those who might otherwise have to face the courts alone.
Since its opening, more than 200 people have turned to the clinic for help. Each enquiry represents someone navigating a period of uncertainty, a parent seeking custody, a couple separating, a family trying to find stability again. Eighty have already received detailed advice from student volunteers working under the supervision of qualified solicitors, and many more have been supported through follow up contact and signposting to other services:
“I felt listened to and supported. They gave me advice step by step and helped me understand what to do next.”
“They gave me the confidence to go to court and speak for myself.”
At its heart, the clinic is both a service and a learning space. For the students who volunteer, it is a chance to step out of the classroom and see what justice looks like in practice. They learn how to listen, to communicate clearly, and to handle sensitive situations with empathy. Each appointment helps them understand not only the technical side of the law but its human weight.
“The benefit to the students is seeing how their academic studies can equip them with legal knowledge and skills that can be applied to help others in real life situations” - Christine Quinlan, clinic co-ordinator.
Behind the clinic’s success lies a spirit of collaboration. It is part of the LawWorks Clinics Network, which supports more than 300 free legal advice clinics across England and Wales. LawWorks has worked alongside the University from the outset, helping to establish systems, provide training materials, and ensure that every client receives advice that meets professional standards. The clinic also works closely with Duncan Lewis Solicitors Ltd., whose family law team assists in reviewing cases and supporting the student volunteers.
“LawWorks has helped us make sure the clinic runs smoothly and safely, both for clients and for our students. It has been invaluable to have their expertise and practical guidance.”
Together, these partnerships have built something enduring, a model where learning and service strengthen one another. Families receive life changing support, and students gain the experience and conviction that will shape their future careers.
“Pro bono clinics like Bedfordshire’s play an essential role in ensuring people can get the advice they need when they need it. They also help inspire the next generation of lawyers to see access to justice as part of their professional responsibility.” - Rebecca Howell, Head of Clinics at LawWorks
The University of Bedfordshire Family Law Clinic stands as part of a wider network of people and organisations committed to keeping justice within reach. It is a reminder that the law is not only about rules and remedies, but about people, and that when education and compassion meet, the impact can ripple far beyond the walls of a university.