London News

London university launches LGBT legal advice centre

Friday, 14th November 2008

Written by Francesca Cookney

Queen Mary University The end of this week sees the launch of a new legal advice centre for lesbian, gay, bi and transgender students at Queen Mary, University of London.

The centre, dedicated to providing advice and information on 'Pink Law', is the first of its kind. Run by students from the university's law department and supervised by volunteer lawyers from three top City law firms, the centre will offer a by-appointment service to the LGBT community.

From 6pm to 8.30pm every Wednesday, students can get free legal advice on everything from civil partnerships and cohabitation to employment discrimination. The official opening will take place on Friday with a champagne reception attended by legal experts from the affiliated firms as well as Sir Adrian Fulford, the UK's first openly gay judge who serves on the High Court of England and Wales as well as the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The initiative has been praised by gay rights group, Stonewall who receive hundreds of calls from people who need just this sort of service. "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," said the organisation's information officer, Helen Ward.

"This is an exciting and innovative project that will provide much needed legal assistance to the LGBT community," said Julie Pinborough, Queen Mary's Legal Advice Centre Manager. "It demonstrates the Law Department's commitment to equality and diversity".