Queen Mary, University of London, is launching a specialist ‘Pink Law’ Legal Advice Centre, the first in higher education, on Friday 14 November, during National Pro Bono Week.
 
In partnership with three top City law firms, the project will offer free and impartial legal advice on issues affecting the LGBT community, such as employment discrimination, civil partnerships and cohabitation.
 
From 6pm to 8.30pm, on the last Wednesday of every month, students from the Department of Law will advise clients - under the supervision of volunteer lawyers from the affiliated firms - to provide the LGBT community with a confidential, welcoming and professional service.
 
A champagne reception to mark the launch of the ‘Pink Law’ service on 14 November will be attended by Mr Justice Fulford, a leading High Court and International Criminal Court judge. Strongly committed to human rights, Sir Adrian Fulford is also the country’s first opening gay judge.
 
“This is an exciting and innovative project that will provide much needed legal assistance to the LGBT community,” said Queen Mary’s legal advice centre manager Julie Pinborough.

“Moreover, the project demonstrates the Law Department’s commitment to equality and diversity within pro bono and the services it offers the local community.”
 
Helen Ward, Information Officer for equality and justice campaign group Stonewall is also advocating the project.

“Stonewall receives many calls to our information service from lesbian, gay and bisexual people who need legal advice and assistance,” said Ward.

“It’s encouraging that Queen Mary University is offering a free legal service to ensure that LGB people can access the help they need when dealing with discrimination.”
 
Queen Mary’s innovative Legal Advice Centre is unique in London as the first university-run centre to offer free legal advice to staff, students and members of the public.
 
Since opening its doors in 2006, the Centre has won the coveted Attorney General's Pro Bono Award 2008 and was the only university to be short-listed for the Law Society Excellence Awards 2008.