A university legal clinic providing free advice is in the running for a national award.

The University of Southampton's Global Legal Clinic, which opened in February, has been shortlisted for the LawWorks Pro Bono Awards 2024.

The clinic's legal director, Dr Omar Madhloom, is also in the running for an individual award.

Since its launch, the clinic has enlisted around 150 students to offer pro bono services to university staff, students, and the wider public.

Operating on a range of issues, from personal injury and family law to landlord disputes, consumer rights, and animal and environmental rights, the clinic is currently managing approximately 70 cases.

Working in tandem with Lawyers Against Poverty, the clinic empowers communities across the UK through public legal education.

It also collaborates with the UK Centre for Animal Law, the Global Pro Bono Bar Association, and backs research by the Environmental Law Foundation.

Additionally, the clinic has formed partnerships with legal establishments in other countries, including France, Peru, and South Africa.

Dr Madhloom said: "It’s a huge achievement and we are really proud to be shortlisted in the LawWorks awards, especially as we only established the legal clinic this year.

"Our clinic is unique in the breadth of work and projects we are involved in internationally. We provide face-to-face legal advice, but we are also involved in community engagement, and environmental law. It also provides invaluable experience for our students, giving them extra training and developing their confidence and employability."

The Global Legal Clinic has been nominated for the award for Best Contribution by a Pro Bono Clinic.

Dr Madhloom is in the running for the Best Contribution by an In-House Team or an In-House Solicitor award.

Maddy Nicholl, 19, a second year LLB Law student and Vice Director of the legal clinic, said: "Gaining practical legal experience can be almost impossible in such a competitive industry. Handling individual cases as though I were already qualified has provided invaluable real-world experience, and the clinic’s experienced solicitors oversee all work so students can practice with confidence."

The winners of the LawWorks Pro Bono Awards 2024 will be announced on December 4, 2024.

For more information, visit lawworks.org.uk/awards.