UCLan launches free Business Law Clinic service

The University of Central Lancashire is to offer a free legal support through its new Business Law Clinic service run by students and graduates.

The initiative has been created by UCLan's Lancashire Law School and provides SMEs with guidance relating to matters such as contracts, intellectual property and leases.

Users of the service will be provided with six months of support, with services including written advice, casework and form filling.

Though this is its first service dedicated to businesses, UCLan's Lancashire Law School previously dealt with private client matters through its student led law clinic.

Stephanie Jones, senior lecturer at the Lancashire Law School, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for SMEs who might not be in a position to afford to pay for a solicitor at a law firm, but who still require the same high standards of quality in relation to advice and documentation drafting.

“It’s also a valuable chance for start-ups to give themselves a secure, legal footing without incurring high costs at a time when budgets may be more limited.

“We’re keen to emphasise the fact that lawyers don’t just have to be sought when things go wrong, but can help to prevent problems before they even arise."

Sabba Shah, a third year LLB student, added: “It has been phenomenal work experience which has vastly increased my commercial awareness, and employers loved hearing about it during a careers event I attended. They were very impressed and it led to me being offered placements.” The Business Law Clinic takes place every Monday - Wednesday at UCLan’s Harris Building and is by appointment only.