Will the Aberdeen Law Project help me?
The Aberdeen Law Project provides a considerable range of services. This includes but is not restricted to:
- Undertaking legal research.
- Writing letters.
- Speaking with the other side of a dispute.
- Attending mediations.
- Negotiating settlements.
- Appearing on your behalf in Court.
Our core sectors are housing, employment, consumer rights, and prisoner rights. However, because we are dedicated to responding to the needs of low-income persons within Aberdeen and the surrounding area, we do not restrict ourselves in terms of the cases that we will take on. The only exceptions to this are that we will not act in immigration, family law, criminal or debt cases. Nor, it should be noted, will we act on your behalf if; there is another organisation that can assist; you are eligible for legal aid; or you have the means to pay for a lawyer. Where we take the view that we are unable to act on your behalf, we will attempt to identify another body or law firm that is able to assist.
The services that we provide are entirely free. You, our client, will not pay for our time and costs. You may, however, still be required to pay unavoidable legal expenses such as the cost of initiating legal proceedings.
We welcome all enquiries in relation to providing advice and representation. All such enquiries should be directed to the Project: abdnlawproject@gmail.com
The Clinic’s postal address is:
The Aberdeen Law Project
c/o School of Law
Taylor Building
University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen
AB24 3UB
Scotland
How We Operate:
Stage 1 - Initial Client Consultation:
The initial consultation will take place at one of our drop-in centres within Aberdeen City. We recommend (but do not require) that you make an appointment in advance by calling us on: (01224) 272434. The dates and times of initial client consultations are advertised locally. Details can be requested by emailing abdnlawproject@gmail.com or telephoning the clinic.
At the initial consultation our student advisors will interview you in order to identify how they can help. In order to assist the student advisors in providing you with prompt advice, please bring all relevant paperwork to the initial consultation. Our student advisors will not give advice at the initial consultation. All discussions are strictly confidential.
Stage 2 - Advising:
Having undertaken the initial consultation, students will reflect upon their notes and frame what they believe to be appropriate advice. This will then be checked by a practitioner for accuracy and appropriateness. It is at this point that the student advisors will be able to intimate their advice to you, the client.
Stage 3 - Furthering Your Case:
Student advisors, working alongside experienced practitioners and academic staff, will continue to research your case and provide legal advice as your case progresses. In addition, the student advisors that are assigned to your case will write letters, make telephone calls, and undertake meetings in furtherance of your case. It is the policy of our clinic to seek settlement. Our advisors will therefore attempt to settle your case at all stages. Where an acceptable settlement cannot be achieved we will continue to pursue legal proceedings. Our student advisors have rights of audience within the Small Claims Court. Where our students have no right of audience, the Clinic will nevertheless continue to assist you by helping to prepare your case. We will also, if you desire, accompany you to court and advise you as the case progresses.
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