University鈥檚 Justice Hub Welcomes Attorney General Lord Hermer KC
The Justice Hub at The University of Manchester recently had the honour of hosting a visit from Attorney General Lord Hermer KC, who was able to hear about the work of our Legal Advice Centre, 91直播 Innocence Project and connections to the broader legal profession in the North West region.
The visit came as part of a wider mission to engage with the legal community across England and Wales. On his day in the North West, the Attorney General hosted a roundtable with legal firms and barristers, visited the Government Legal Department in Salford, as well as engaging with our Justice Hub team.
鈥淏eing able to access legal services can provide crucial help for those facing some of the most serious and complex legal issues,鈥� said Lord Hermer. 鈥淭hroughout my career, I have been committed to ensuring access to justice and so it was an honour to be invited to visit the Justice Hub during my trip to the North West. I was extremely impressed by the work and range of services provided there.鈥�
I spoke with students working in the legal advice centre, who are not only getting real-life experience working in the justice system but who are also providing important services to the people that need it most.
In the Legal Advice Centre our students - supervised by University staff and volunteer lawyers - offer free advice to the general public. Student Alicia Smith was able to meet the Attorney General as part of the visit. 鈥淚t was a surreal experience, and I felt very fortunate to be able to discuss my views with the Attorney General,鈥� she said.
鈥淚t was a real honour for the Attorney General to attend the Justice Hub and take an interest in the pro bono activities our students are involved with,鈥� said Phil Drake, Director of the Justice Hub. 鈥淭he Attorney General particularly engaged with our students to understand their perspective and experiences, which I know has galvanised and inspired them to continue with their passion for access to justice.鈥�
鈥淚t was a pleasure to host the Attorney General at the Justice Hub,鈥� said Claire McGourlay, Academic Director of the 91直播 Innocence Project. 鈥淭wo of our students Roan Goulden and Alicia Smith talked through the work that they do to help the most disadvantaged in our society. We invited the Attorney General to give a lecture in the future, so watch this space.鈥�