Personal Support Unit on hunt for new recruits

The Personal Support Unit (PSU), which provides help to litigants in person, is on the hunt for talented law students to join its service.

The unit kick-started its search this week with the hook that Heather Mills should have gone to the PSU for support.

The estranged wife of former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney is representing herself against McCartneys top legal team, which includes Princes William and Harrys lawyer Fiona Shackleton from Payne Hicks Beach.

Judith March, PSU director, said Mills would be an unusual client for the unit but it could offer her support.

"We support people who decide to litigate in person who don't have lawyers as they've run out of money or didn't have enough money in the first place - whatever the reason may be, explained March.

The unit does not offer legal advice but it does explain the court process and tries to ease what can be a frightening and confusing time.

"Those representing themselves can find it difficult to separate their feelings from legal points and we can help focus their minds more clearly," added March.

The unit is looking for more people to join the team as it is runs on a voluntary basis. It is currently looking for recruits for a new service in the Manchester Civil Justice Centre and for an expansion at its Wandsworth County Court unit.

March explained that the majority of law students that it takes on are those doing the Bar Vocational Course (BVC).

Were looking for the highest calibre of person to join the unit, which is why most students [working with us] are doing their BVC, explained March.

On the advice the PSU would offer to Mills, March said: First, she should get a lawyer but secondly, if she can't, she should come to us."