The Daily Express reports that 30 third-year law students from Keele University, Staffordshire will assist with preparatory work, potentially making a huge saving to clients’ legal bills.

Legal aid

Although the students will not replace qualified solicitors and barristers, it is hoped that the scheme will be adapted nationwide to help those affected by the legal aid cuts. This month’s cuts mean that legal aid cannot be claimed by anyone with a household income above £32,000, while those earning between £14,000 and £32,000 must take a means test.
It is hoped that the cuts will trim around £350 million from the annual £2.2 billion legal aid bill.

Complex issues

Judge Ross Duggan, designated family judge for Staffordshire, told the newspaper: ‘The judges of Stoke-on-Trent County Court are very impressed by the scheme. Trained volunteers in our court on a daily basis will provide a valuable source of -support for many court users.’
One student, 23-year old Rachael Mellers, said that ‘with the right advice, people will be able to cope with complex legal issues’, while 21-year old Simon Aggarwal added that the scheme will help to ‘support people to give them the confidence to cope with the legal process.’