Find out more about the University of Wolverhampton Legal Companions on our Facebook page. This gives up to date details of the times we will be available at the court and you can also contact us via Facebook Messenger.

Visit the Wolverhampton Legal Companions information desk at Wolverhampton Combined Court, Pipers Row, Wolverhampton. Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 3.30pm.

What is the Legal Companions Scheme?

‌‌WLC is a legal companions scheme that runs in collaboration with Wolverhampton County Court to benefit both members of the public and our students.

Can we help?

Our Legal Companions are university students who offer free and confidential help and assistance to people dealing with Family and County Court matters.

This includes:

• Helping you to findyour way around the court
• Filling out court forms
• Providing help to suspend evictions
• Assisting with the divorce process
• Helping you start a civil claim

Wolverhampton Legal Companions are also trained to help you find:

• Legal Aid assistance
• Mediation services
• McKenzie Friends to accompany you in court
• Charitable support services
• Affordable fixed-fee services

Benefits to students

Law, Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy students who volunteer will boost their experience and support members of the public in their dealings with the County Court. Students assist members of the public with information and support and may signpost them to charities or law firms who can offer further assistance. It is a voluntary scheme and students work two to four hours per week on a rota working with other students.

Students gain useful practical experience and skills that will benefit them as they progress their career and will improve their employability.

• Training in areas such as Legal Aid, Family Law, Child Protection and Welfare Rights
• Experience of court proceedings
• Clarification of which areas interest them in their career
• Satisfaction of improving individuals’ access to justice
• Networking with local court officials, charities and law firms
• Improved/additional communication skills
• Enhancement of CV
• Partial fulfilment of the Employability Award (WEEA)

Why do the public need this type of support?

• Confusing/overwhelming environment of the court
• Difficulties with legal procedure/terminology and impenetrable forms to complete
• Lack of knowledge of support available from charitable organisations
• Increased demand
• Reduced funding for third sector organisations
• Changes to Legal Aid through LASPO (2012)

Additional benefits for the legal system 

Service users will register for support on a secure website (assisted by students). Their anonymised information will be collated in a database and used to inform and influence government policy on access to justice.

Becoming a Legal Companion

If you are a current student at the University of Wolverhampton studying Law, Social Policy, Criminology, Sociology or Criminal Justice you are eligible to apply.

If you want to find out more about the application process please attend one of our drop in sessions at any time between 1pm-2pm on Tuesday 12 March and Wednesday 20 March in MH012 or contact the legal companions manager by email K.Willets@wlv.ac.uk.

To apply, please complete the WLC Application Form March 2019 (Word doc 524k) and return it with your CV to the email address detailed within the application. The deadline for submission of applications is 5pm on Monday 25 March 2019.

Find out more

For further information contact K.Willets@wlv.ac.uk

Wolverhampton Legal Companions are University of Wolverhampton student volunteers, affiliated to the CLOCK scheme, the national Legal Companions scheme.