The Aberdeen Law Project moves its operations online in response to Covid-19 and government guidelines.

The Aberdeen Law Project (“ALP”) will move the majority of its operations online, until July 2021, following successful trials over the summer vacation. Volunteers, new and old, will be able to get involved whether they are on or off campus and all internal meetings will be held virtually.

Co-student Director, Helena Siebenrock, said: “Academic year 2019/20 has proved an interesting one for ALP. The first half of the academic year saw us expand our programme of community outreach work, increase our case numbers, and receive birthday plaudits from Lady Hale and the Scottish Parliament for our work. The second half of the academic year has proven more challenging with Covid-19 complicating our operations. However, like everyone, we are adjusting to the new normal and as many of the hubs with whom we work – from schools to community centres – begin to reopen, we are engaging with them to identify how we can safely re-integrate.

“In terms of our own engagement, gone, for the foreseeable future, are the days when volunteers could meet up and work together or with clients without social distancing. We have therefore moved to remote working and implemented an online platform through which members can meet, collaborate and share. Everything from our internal application process to meetings will be held on this platform, and we are in the final stages of testing online software that can be used for client interviews and consultations. It’s been a challenge but we’re getting there.”