Housing and Welfare Law
Brighton Housing Trust Pro-Bono
BHT Pro Bono is a collaborative clinical law project between Brighton Housing Trust Advice Centre and Sussex Law School, giving students the opportunity to take part in digital, legal and administrative assistance in the provision of advice within the centre, as well as offsite case management and research, visits to the County Court to assist in Duty Solicitor, and clerking. There is a strong digital element to the placements, where students are trained in developing the Webcam Advice Service and play an exciting role in the expansion of online legal assistance at BHT.
What our students say
“BHT Pro Bono has taught me skills that are both academically and legally relevant. For example, certain aspects of the law I have learnt are applicable to my Land Law module at university. Furthermore, I have been learning about billing and interviewing clients, something which is pivotal to becoming a successful lawyer.”
“It has made me understand in more depth how certain cuts to legal aid have had a bigger impact on the community generally, and especially legal aid lawyering.”
“BHT has been great. I’ve been combatting Homelessness while progressing academically.”
Justlife Project
The Justlife Project gives students the opportunity to help vulnerable adults who are living in temporary accommodation, by raising their awareness of their legal rights. Students speak with users of the Justlife drop-in service to help ensure that they are accessing the services that they are legally entitled to – such as housing, welfare benefits and community care services – and to give assistance on any legal issues they may have. The Project enables students to gain experience of the practical difficulties that many people have in asserting their legal rights, while providing a valuable service for some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
The Housing project is led by John Jupp.
