The Aberdeen Law Project has named Dame Anne Begg as its new patron.
The group of law students from Aberdeen University give guidance to people who cannot afford representation and do not qualify for legal aid.
Formed in 2009, the law project has been involved in some high-profile cases – including helping the family of Claire Morris during their fight to remove the headstone erected by her killer husband Malcolm Webster.
Now the organisation as named Dame Anne – who represented Aberdeen South as an MP between 1997 and 2015 and is a champion for disabled people and equal opportunities – as their new patron.
Meanwhile, third year Sophie Mills has been appointed as the organisation’s student director, replacing Louise Sloan.
Ryan Whelan, chairman of the ALP board and an associate at Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher, welcomed the appointments.
He said: “As seems to be the way with Dame Anne, she has wasted no time in rolling up her sleeves to assist the students and so the community, by making introductions and inputting on the development of new initiatives. Her counsel to the project as it continues to expand will be invaluable.”
Dame Anne said: “One of the things I was actually conscious of when I was an MP was that access to good legal advice and help is crucial in making sure everyone has equal access to justice. However, for some people who don’t quality for legal aid, which has been cut in recent years, getting legal advice and help is beyond their ability to pay.
“The Aberdeen Law Project can – and does – help in these circumstances, while giving vital practical experience to the law students who are members of the project.”
Mr Whelan, who set up the clinic while studying at Aberdeen University, praised outgoing student director Miss Sloan’s “tremendous success” expanding the reach of the group’s work and said he was sure Miss Mills would be a “very effective and popular leader”.
Miss Mills – who decided to study at Aberdeen so she could be part of the law project – said she was looking forward to the challenge and expanding the work in the community.
