Free Legal Advice Centre highly commended in prestigious legal awards

The University of Bolton has been highly commended in the prestigious Law Society Awards.

The University’s free Legal Advice Centre received the accolade in the ‘Excellence in Pro Bono’ category.

Judges said they were impressed with the University’s “collaborative efforts with the local community to ensure efficient use of resources to meet unmet legal needs”.

The Legal Advice Centre, launched in September 2019, is the brainchild of the University’s Assistant Teaching Professor and qualified Solicitor Advocate Ian Bowden.

It has dealt with hundreds of cases from people in the Bolton community and has operated throughout the pandemic remotely, with the students supported by University lecturers.

Being shortlisted for the Law Society Awards is the biggest accolade for law firms in England and Wales.

Ian said: “I am beyond delighted that the centre was highly commended.

“This is an amazing achievement that recognises the work of every student who has worked to help members of our local community.

“I feel incredibly proud of every single one of the team.”

He added: “Bolton was the only University to be shortlisted in these awards, which is fantastic in itself.

“Our nomination focussed on the work that we have done across the University, as well as the work completed by our students in conjunction with the local law society.

“It has truly been a team effort.”

Law Society of England and Wales president I. Stephanie Boyce said: “After an extraordinary year, it has never been more important to celebrate the outstanding work of our profession.”

Winners were announced at an online ceremony on 7 October.