Disability Legal Information Clinic Introductory Training Session 12 th September 2012

Clinics When: First Wednesday of the month From 6 – 7.30 pm Where: Boardroom, Centre for Disability Law and Policy

Who is Present Every drop in session will have: one legal practitioner one member of CDLP staff one or two student volunteers.

Who can attend NUIG students Local people with disabilities Individuals on behalf of people with disabilities Community Organisations Professionals

Research Resource The clinic’s research resource pairs undergraduate law student volunteers with CDLP PhDs and research staff to prepare pieces of research sought by local organisations, or assemble case law and precedent relating to disability issues for legal practitioners, as part of developing a case or presenting an argument for reform.

What happens at clinics Volunteers to arrive before 6 so any queries that come in can be discussed and room can be set up Greet clients Disclaimer is read to all clients Volunteers lead the discussion with the client and CDLP staff and the practitioner are there to assist if necessary

Disclaimer Advisors present are students, not qualified legal practitioners and therefore are only authorised to give legal information as opposed to legal advice. Clients should contact a solicitor if formal legal advice or representation is required. No solicitor / client relationship is created from this exchange of information. This is a confidential service and not identifying information will be recorded. If this query is on behalf of someone else, we would require that the person would attend the clinic.

Practical tips Why is the client here? What are they seeking? Take a detailed note of information from the session. Consider all options/ solutions. Refrain from giving inaccurate information. Follow – up sessions/ further information.

Practical tips Confidentiality – information exchanged at the sessions will be private and of a sensitive nature – important to respect the confidentiality of this information. Clients with disabilities – treat all clients equally and with the same level of respect and understanding. Be conscious that some clients may have certain requirements.

After Clinic Fill in a Data Collection form Discuss what happened, how things went