St Mary’s Law School Launches Free Legal Clinic for Local Communities

St Mary’s University, Twickenham (SMU) has announced the launch of a free Personal Injury Law Clinic in partnership with law firm Hodge Jones & Allen, aimed at serving the local community while providing valuable practical experience for law students at SMU.

Through the initiative, law students at SMU will gain valuable experience aimed at enhancing their employability and readiness for a career in the field, through providing essential legal services and support to local individuals in need. The Law Clinic will leverage the extensive expertise of Daniel Denton, Personal Injury Partner at Hodge Jones & Allen, who has over 20 years of experience in representing clients with significant injuries.

The Clinic will offer legal representation and advice to those who have suffered accidents and require professional guidance. Community members, staff, and students can benefit from the clinic's services, receiving assistance with initial enquiries, either in-person or online.

SMU student volunteers at the clinic will gain first-hand experience by taking attendance notes and participating in meetings with clients under the supervision of legal advisors.

Speaking on this partnership Senior Lecturer in Law at SMU Charley Dugdale said, “We are delighted to collaborate with Hodge Jones & Allen. This partnership will expose our students to real-life personal injury claims, enriching their learning experience and better preparing them for their future careers while simultaneously aiding our community.”

Daniel Denton from Hodge Jones & Allen added, “There are dual benefits to this initiative; our collaboration with St Mary’s University allows us to contribute to the professional development of future lawyers by providing them with hands-on experience in managing personal injury cases, from client interaction to arranging rehabilitative care for serious injuries.”

The Legal Clinic represents a significant step forward in bridging the gap between legal education and practical application, preparing students to enter the legal field as competent, experienced professionals while also fulfilling a crucial community service.

For more information or to request assistance from the Personal Injury Law Clinic, please visit the St Mary’s Business and Law Clinic webpage.