A series of free legal webinars for members of the Mansfield and Ashfield community are to be held by Nottingham Law School’s Legal Advice Centre, tackling issues such as housing, welfare benefits and intellectual property.

The multi award-winning teaching law firm, which received the Contribution to the Community Award 2020 from the Nottinghamshire Law Society, sees students at Nottingham Law School work on cases under the supervision of experienced lawyers. It offers free and affordable advice and support on a range of legal areas and has recently passed the £5 million mark in benefits and compensation awarded to its clients.

Four short webinars providing general information and guidance will be delivered by Centre staff and student volunteers, including two aimed at people who are experiencing benefits or housing issues due to a change in circumstances during the pandemic. The other two sessions will be aimed at those launching new business ideas and at families requiring support in relation to special educational needs.

The sessions include:

Intellectual Property: Explore the different rights that are available for protecting ideas, products and brands and identify some of the pitfalls. The webinar is ideal for those who are thinking of an idea or already have something set up. Wednesday 26 May, 1 – 2.30 pm. Book online.

Housing issues in Covid-19:  This webinar will cover issues including the process that a landlord/lender must follow when a tenant is struggling to pay their rent/mortgage after a change in their circumstances during Covid-19. Thursday 27 May, 1 – 2.30 pm. Book online.

Welfare benefits in Covid-19: This webinar will cover issues such as entitlement and benefits after a change in circumstances during Covid-19. Thursday 3 June, 1 – 2.30 pm. Book online.

Special Education Needs & Disability: A team from the Centre’s recently expanded Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Service will give an overview of SEND discrimination in schools, with a particular focus on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP). The webinar will also address issues with enforcement of EHCPs, and topical issues including changes brought about by Covid-19. Thursday 10 June, 1 – 2.30 pm. Book online.

As a not for profit teaching law firm with charitable status, the centre was the UK’s first law firm fully integrated into a law school when it obtained an ABS (Alternative Business Structure) licence in 2015.

Laura Pinkney, head of the Legal Advice Centre, said: “We know that for many people the pandemic has led to a change in their personal and financial circumstances, which can leave them worried and confused. Legal advice can be costly and so we are proud to continue to provide free support on a range of topics to our clients in Nottinghamshire. Our lawyers have particular expertise in these webinar topics, and we hope that these sessions will raise awareness of legal rights and go some way to helping members of the Mansfield and Ashfield community to overcome legal hurdles they may be facing.”

For further information visit the Legal Advice Centre website.