LJMU LAW & BUSINESS CLINICS: FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD

Powering our region through social value and innovation

Liverpool Chamber members thrive on two essentials: trusted advice and a steady pipeline of skilled talent. Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) delivers both—at scale—through its trio of pro bono clinics: Legal Advice, Business, and Accounting. Together, they injected over £3 million worth of free professional support into the Liverpool City Region last year alone.

A £2.6 Million Hub for Accessible Justice and Support

Based in LJMU’s purpose-built centre on Hardman Street, the Legal Advice Centre (LAC) is now one of Europe’s largest university law clinics. It’s staffed by six in-house solicitors, supported by over 100 volunteer lawyers and more than 250 supervised students. Each year, the LAC supports around 1,000 individuals directly, with hundreds more assisted through partnerships with Support Through Court, Citizens Advice, and local law centres.

For Chamber members, the LAC offers:

• Community Economic Development Clinic – Tailored legal advice on commercial, contract, employment, and property matters, alongside family, human rights, and civil litigation services. Ideal for micro-businesses and social enterprises that fall between Legal Aid eligibility and private legal fees.

• Award-winning innovation – The Windrush Community Law Clinic, winner of “Best New Pro Bono Activity” at the 2025 LawWorks & Attorney General Awards, has already helped over 60 claimants access compensation.

For businesses with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, mentoring or collaborating with the LAC provides a readymade, high-impact Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) opportunity within a well-established framework.

Business Clinic: Consultancy Without the Price Tag

Also based at Hardman Street, the Liverpool Business Clinic (LBC) transforms classrooms into consultancy suites. Each year, over 650 students deliver more than 80,000 hours of project work for 100+ SMEs, charities, and corporates. Projects range from export-readiness assessments to digital marketing strategies and sustainability roadmaps.

The model has earned national recognition:

• Purpose Coalition “Breaking Down Barriers” Award (House of Commons, April 2025)

• Business School of the Year – Educate North Awards 2025

These clinics are fast becoming indispensable partners for growth-focused firms and thirdsector organisations across our network.

Chamber members benefit from:

• Fresh insight, fast turnaround – Semester-based project cycles offer rapid access to university research and innovation.

• Talent pipeline – Many businesses convert student teams into interns or graduate hires, reducing recruitment risk.

• Brand visibility – Case studies are regularly featured in LJMU and regional media, aligning your brand with skills development and community impact.

Accounting Clinic: Confidence for the Third Sector

For registered charities with turnover under £250k, LJMU’s Accounting Clinic provides free independent examinations of annual accounts. Overseen by ACCA-qualified academics and final-year students, the clinic strengthens financial governance for grassroots organisations— many of which are key CSR partners for Chamber members.

A Win-Win for Business and Talent

LJMU’s clinics offer high-quality, real-world services to the local business community while developing the next generation of professionals. A new Social Return on Investment (SROI) study— launching in September 2025—will track the measurable impact of these interventions, reinforcing their value to the region.

At a Glance: LJMU Clinics Impact

To seek advice, or find out more information about the clinics’ services, scan the QR code to jump straight to pro bono webpages.

Alternatively contact the clinic Subject Leaders Dr. Track Dinning (Business) or Rachel Stalker (Law) on t.m.dinning@ljmu.ac.uk or r.stalker@ljmu.ac.uk