Kent Law Clinic scoops prestigious award

The University of Kent has scooped a prestigious award for the work of the Kent Law Clinic.

The university will be presented the Queens Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education at Buckingham Palace in February 2008.

Kent Law Clinic is being honoured for enriching the academic study of law through a casework service to the community.

John Fitzpatrick, director of the Kent Law Clinic, said: 'We are very honoured to receive such a prestigious award. The prize acknowledges a real team effort by all the staff and students in the clinic and all the solicitors and barristers locally who give their services.

It reflects not only their achievements, but also the breadth and depth of our activities and it maintains a proud tradition in the Kent Law School, added Fitzpatrick.

This year has seen the cumulative total awarded to clinic clients by litigation or negotiation exceed 1m as a direct result of students' work.

As part of its work the Clinic organises a pro bono service by 50 local solicitors and barristers, assisted by students, at weekly advice sessions.

The Queens Anniversary Prizes are awarded, within the honours system, for exceptional contributions by institutions in the higher and further education sectors to the wider community.