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, Manchester 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.
“Being able to access legal services can provide crucial help for those facing some of the most serious and complex legal issues,” said Lord Hermer. “Throughout 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.”
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. “It was a surreal experience, and I felt very fortunate to be able to discuss my views with the Attorney General,” she said.
“It 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,” said Phil Drake, Director of the Justice Hub. “The 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.”
“It was a pleasure to host the Attorney General at the Justice Hub,” said Claire McGourlay, Academic Director of the Manchester Innocence Project. “Two 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.”
