Buckets, spades and ice-creams are essential for a beach trip, but anyone heading to Teignmouth seafront next Wednesday (June 5) will be able to get free legal advice as well.

Law students from the University of Exeter are bringing their ‘Law on the Beach’ Community Law Clinic to Teignmouth Yacht Club.  The pro bono sessions will offer confidential advice on a range of issues including housing, employment and immigration. The students will have guidance from Teignmouth-based solicitors Scott Richards during the sessions.

Based on a similar initiative run by the University of Newcastle Law School in Australia, Law on the Beach will support people impacted by the cost-of-living crisis who may be in desperate need of legal assistance while providing students with valuable learning opportunities.

‘This initiative not only addresses a critical societal need but also provides our students with invaluable practical experience,’ said University of Exeter Law School associate professor in law Dr Craig Newbery-Jones. By working alongside experienced professionals and tackling real-world legal challenges, our students will develop the skills and empathy needed to be effective advocates for justice,’ he added.

People living in seaside or rural areas often struggle to access legal support.

Those involved in Law on the Beach will also carry out research into the impact of pro bono legal advice on communities and look to establish the specific unmet legal needs of local communities.

‘Law on the Beach’ takes place at Teignmouth Yacht Club between 10am and 3:30pm on Wednesday June 5.