LAW STUDENT SHARPENS SKILLS PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE TO HOMELESS

27 January 2010

Liliana Franco, 25, is currently studying the Legal Practice Course at De Montfort University (DMU) and is also undertaking a placement at Shelter Housing Aid and Research Project (SHARP) in Leicester.

SHARP provides specialist advice on housing rights and options and practical help to people with housing problems.

They also provide legal advice for people with housing needs and can assist them in court with repossession cases.

Liliana, who is from Daventry, Northamptonshire, is currently carrying out legal research for people who use SHARP's services.

She hopes to qualify as a solicitor after completing all of her studies.

She said: "I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to work with a charity which aims to make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable people in Leicestershire.

"It is great practical experience for me as I am able to deal with real clients and real issues.

"I hope that the knowledge and understanding I acquire will really help me in my goal to become a solicitor."

Chris Poole, Housing Advice Team Leader at SHARP, said: "Liliana is a delight to have in the office. She is now a valued member of the team who has bought a range of skills and an enthusiasm which has proved to be of real benefit to our clients."

Deborah Evenden, Senior Lecturer at the Leicester Institute of Legal Practice at DMU, said: "We are delighted to be able to develop our partnership with SHARP in Leicester and Liliana's involvement will help SHARP's valuable work to assist vulnerable individuals.

"This is a great example of De Montfort's commitment to supporting our local community."