Legal Aid Clinic
External Clients
Introduction
The Legal Aid Clinic is the practical training arm of the Norman Law School. As a part of their competency training and development, final year law students work on legal matters under the supervision of competent attorneys-at-law of at least five (5) years standing. As a result of this teaching and learning environment, the Clinic is able to provide legal services to members of the public with limited means while giving due regard to matters of public interest and of educational value to the students.
As an active client of the Clinic you may expect to engage with students under supervision, as they conduct interviews, gather additional information, assist with document preparation, complete research and attend court with their tutor.
Information for external clients
Client Information
Prospective clients are interviewed to determine the nature and type of matter, the assistance being sought from the Clinic and whether or not it is a matter suitable for the Clinic to undertake. All clients undergo a means test to determine whether they qualify for assistance from the clinic.
In general, the Clinic will only assist a client in the following circumstances:
- the client has not previously had an attorney whose retainer has not been terminated
- the client is not able to afford the services of an attorney
- the matter has not already commenced before the Court or been part heard and there is no substantive hearing that is imminent;
- there is an available attorney and the acceptance of the case would not result in the clinic surpassing the figure needed for the efficient instruction of the students;
- there is a likelihood of success with relation to the case;
- the case will enhance the students’ in their legal education;
Another factor for consideration is whether there are issues of potential law reform or development of the law.
The Clinic accepts general legal matters in addition to cases that fall within the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, Corporate Area Parish Courts or the Portmore Family Court.
Contact the Clinic
Contact Us
Opening Hours
- Monday to Thursday - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
- Fridays - 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
New clients are accepted during the months of January to March and October to November each year.
Appointments
Appointments for current clients are scheduled from Monday to Friday between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Address
Norman Manley Law School,
Legal Aid Clinic
Gibraltar Hall Road Building
18 Gibraltar Hall Road,
Mona, Kingston 7
Contact Info
- Telephone Numbers: (876)648-9140 / 648-5835
- WhatsApp: 876-503-8885
- Fax: 876-970-3581
- Email: LAC@nmlscle.com
Common questions
Client FAQs
Prospective clients are interviewed and assessed to determine whether they qualify for assistance. This includes a means test to establish whether the person is unable to afford the usual services of an Attorney-at-Law, as well as an assessment of whether the matter is suitable for the Clinic to undertake.
Yes. The Clinic will generally not accept a matter where another Attorney-at-Law remains retained, proceedings have already substantially progressed, or a substantive hearing is imminent. The Clinic will also consider the likelihood of success, the educational value of the matter, the availability of a supervising attorney and its existing caseload.
Client experiences
Client Testimonials
All client testimonials
“I first found out about the Legal Aid Clinic through an attorney here who was very pleasant and extremely nice. Later on my matter was transferred to attorney Janett Levy, and since then all interactions were pleasant. I am immensely satisfied with the extreme care and attention Ms. Levy placed on my case; I am truly grateful that she was lawyer handling my matter
The process was long, but Ms. Levy handled my file with immense care and dedication. Every member of staff I have interacted with was pleasant, professional, and supportive. If you need legal help, I absolutely recommend the Legal Aid Clinic as they have brilliant and exceptional lawyers, particularly my attorney, Ms. Levy”
Special thanks to the Legal Aid Clinic who worked diligently with me. I am so overwhelmed with the legal services I also recommended another friend and relative to take advantage of the services provided.
Coming to the Legal Aid Clinic was a pleasure. I am pleased with their service. I will definitely recommend clients to the Legal Aid Clinic as I was truly satisfied.
I am pleased with how I was treated. The staff are wonderful people to do business with I would do it again.
I am pleased with the service. I hope and pray you will continue to help Jamaicans that cannot afford to go private. Thank you.
I came to the Legal Aid Clinic seeking help with some issues I was having. I want to say a big thank you to all those who participated in seeing to it that my needs were met.
I have been utilizing the services of the Legal Aid Clinic since 2016. The customer service has been good. Pleasant, and courteous staff.
I was introduced to the Legal Aid Clinic by a friend who had used their services. The staff ensured that the procedures were being followed and all documents are updated to finalize the matter. They show care and concern, also very courteous to their clients.
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have people like NMLS in my life so I can continue my life after years and months of an abusive marriage.
Keep up the good work in helping others.
Attending the Legal Aid Clinic was a great pleasure. The service is great, the calm spirit and words of encouragement from the staff gave me the strength to go on. I admire the work ethic and professional way of dealing with situation.