The Aberdeen Law Project has launched its new advice note service to help bridge the justice gap and aid the community in accessing legal assistance. This service is something ALP felt was important to establish, as previously many prospective clients approached ALP with housing, consumer or employment disputes that were either too far along in court or tribunal for long-term representation, or were simply looking for legal clarity before deciding whether to take action. To address these needs alongside its existing representation services, ALP introduced the advice note service - a streamlined initiative designed to provide short, concise documents so that clients can make informed decisions about their next steps.
Researchers Steven Collingham and Anna Thomson at ALP have recently provided clients with two such advice notes.
Steven’s advice note assisted a client unsure about their property rights. The note explained their legal rights regarding co-ownership, occupancy, and the sale of the property, while accounting for potential long-term housing agreements. This helped the client take steps to ensure they would have appropriate housing arrangements in place for the future.
Anna’s note clarified property rules for a client in need of repairs on a four-in-a-block home. It outlined the legal requirements under the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004 for re-rendering a shared wall with three of the neighbours, and maintaining a boundary fence concerning the client and one of the neighbours. The note allowed the client to enter into constructive discussions with their neighbours, clear on her legal position.
Steven Collingham said: “I was pleased to assist the client through clarifying their legal rights and obligations, allowing them to make an informed decision on their next steps.”
Steven's client said: “Thank you so much for this information. It is very useful to know my legal position so that I can make sure I have housing arrangements in place for the future. I would like to thank you and the team for all your work and help with my query. I really appreciate it so much...”
Anna Thomson said: “The Advice Note process provides clients with quicker access to the legal advice they need. It is still tailored to clients’ specific queries, and opportunity is provided for communication and feedback between clients and ALP, allowing clients to resolve any disputes/issues in an informed but efficient way.”
Anna's client said: “Thank you so much for producing the Advice Note. Everything makes sense... Thanks again for all of your help with the issues raised, I really appreciate it.”
This new service allows ALP to support and engage with more individuals in the community, reducing the justice gap by ensuring individuals in the community are clear on the law that applies to them and better able to navigate the steps they need to take.
The Aberdeen Law Project encourages individuals who are eager to understand their legal position in respect of a housing, employment or consumer dispute to get in contact.
If you require advice in connection with a housing matter, such as those mentioned above, and cannot afford a solicitor, please do not hesitate to contact us for a confidential conversation to see if we can help. If we are unable to act on your behalf, we will endeavour to recommend another organisation or law firm that is able to assist you. Please contact us by phone (01224 272 434) or by email (representation@abdnlawproject.com).