Law Clinic wins community award

Hosted by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF), the Awards bring together public servants, volunteers, charities and community groups whose work strengthens communities and supports the criminal justice system through compassion, creativity and innovation.

This award highlights the success of the Law Clinic, which operates in partnership with Dutton Gregory Solicitors, to offer free legal advice focused on landlord and tenant law. Designed to widen access to justice, the service supports individuals who may otherwise struggle to obtain professional legal guidance.

Brad Kershaw, Course Leader for Law at Solent University, is immensely proud of the students that are making the Clinic such a success. He says, “This award reflects the dedication, professionalism and community spirit of our law students.

“By working directly with clients and supporting real cases, they not only develop the confidence, judgement and professionalism that make them truly work‑ready, but they make a real difference to people’s lives. I’m incredibly proud of how our students rise to the challenge and use their skills to make a difference in the community,” he adds.

A key strength of the Clinic is its team of Solent LLB (Hons) Law students, who volunteer their time to assist clients. The students, selected for their academic excellence and commitment to community engagement, work under the supervision of experienced legal practitioners from Dutton Gregory, gaining valuable hands‑on experience while contributing to an essential community service.

Gina Peters, Head of Property Letting and Revenue at Dutton Gregory LLP, says, “We are proud to support lawyers of the future via the Law Clinic, with invaluable contribution from the Solent law students. The clinic was set-up to provide much needed legal advice to those who need it most. It is a very proud moment for everyone involved to receive the High Sheriff Community Award for this ongoing initiative.

“Since the law clinic was first set-up in 2025, the SSU students have demonstrated an unwavering enthusiasm for helping others. They have also consolidated their own knowledge of Residential Housing Law by their willingness to learn from our experienced lawyers who run the clinic alongside them. This is a commendable commitment from students who are currently studying law themselves.

“What the students also gain is the opportunity to apply their understanding of Housing Law to situations experienced by those in our local community. They have conducted over 300 interviews with clients to date, developing their soft skills and learning to balance practical advice with empathy and care.”

Two of the Clinic’s student advisors, Renata Rusu and Mya Hotston-Clarke, collected the award and got to meet the High Sheriff, the Mayor, the Lord Mayor and other dignitaries at the event. Mya also secured work experience with a medical negligence solicitor during the event.

The Southampton Solent Law Clinic opened last year to meet community needs through the provision of a free legal service, enhance student skills and alleviate pressure on existing public services

Sessions are held at Solent’s East Park Terrace campus, where a streamlined booking system enables members of the public to secure appointments quickly and easily. You can find out more about the University’s law clinic here.