The Group fended off competition from an impressive list of finalists, which included the Lloyds Banking Group, the Department for Business, and Trade and UK-wide police forces. Tenet and the University of Birmingham were given the award for a joint pro bono project in which Birmingham Law School’s pro bono students developed engaging and informative bitesize videos. With the aim of helping members of the public avoid the pitfalls of fraudulent scams.
Videos covered topics such as money mules, Investment Fraud; NFTs; and Employee Fraud. The same initiative was shortlisted at the Legal Innovation Awards earlier this year. The collaboration with Tenet, which was developed by the Law School’s Head of Pro Bono, Amy Tabari, continues for 2023-24 with more videos being made by students as well as the launch of the Birmingham Fraud Clinic. Where our students provide bespoke legal advice to victims of fraud, under the supervision of volunteer lawyers from Tenet.
The collaboration is one of over 20 different pro bono projects run by the Law School’s multi-award winning Pro Bono Group, offering an impressive number and range of opportunities for both undergraduate and postgraduate law students. Each project engages students in the provision of legal advice and assistance to those who would not otherwise be able to access it. Delivered in collaboration with external partners from the legal practice and the Third Sector.
This award is testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and their understanding of how important a role pro bono plays in our society. Without the expertise of lawyers from Tenet Law supervising the students’ work, we could not have produced the high quality videos that are now in the public domain and hopefully helping members of the public avoid fraudulent scams. The partnership between our students and Tenet truly was ‘outstanding’ and one we hope will continue for many years to come.
Amy Tabari, Deputy Head of CEPLER (Pro bono) at the University of Birmingham.
This year, the Law School has over 300 students volunteering with the Pro Bono Group, which is part of the School’s Centre for Employability, Professional Legal Education and Research (CEPLER). The Group’s twin objectives are to enhance the educational experiences of Birmingham Law School students, as well as provide free legal services for people in the community, especially vulnerable people who cannot afford the services of a lawyer.
CEPLER will be hosting a roadshow event next summer to showcase the work that it does locally, nationally and internationally, in collaboration with employers and external partners. To extend opportunities that enhance student employability and further the University’s civic mission. A key aim of the roadshow will be to explore how the models developed through CEPLER can be translated into other disciplines across the university.
