Law at the University of Suffolk

Law at the University of Suffolk

Suffolk & North Essex Law Society

Law has been offered at degree level since 2016, but during the last year two exciting developments have taken place.

The first was the opening of our own courtroom. The courtroom was installed by professional court fitters on the top floor of the Waterfront Building in 2020 and includes a dock, witness box and a judge’s bench with the experience further enhanced by legal gowns and lecterns bought by Gotelee Solicitors and the university’s Foundation Board in 2019.

It was formally opened by the Resident Judge of Ipswich Crown Court and Honorary Recorder of Ipswich, His Honour Judge Martyn Levett and those attending the opening included Professor Helen Pankhurst, Chancellor of the University of Suffolk, the then Deputy Mayor of Ipswich, John Cook and the President of the Suffolk and North Essex Law Society.

The courtroom is now in regular use for undergraduate teaching and assessments, mooting and school mock trial days. Secondly, on the 18th May 2022, the University of Suffolk celebrated the launch of the Legal Advice Centre, which provides advice on family law, in addition to legal guidance for new businesses and start-ups.

The full launch of the service comes after a two-month ‘soft launch’ period between February and April 2022, during which the Centre provided assistance and advice to clients on twenty-two matters.

The Legal Advice Centre was established to support individuals and families who may not be eligible for legal aid, as well as those who do not know they are entitled to it.

It is run by a network of volunteer staff and students working alongside experienced supervising solicitors to provide advice to those most in need of it.

Dr Stephen Colman, Senior Lecturer in Law s.colman@uos.ac.uk

8 www.snels.org.uk