Sample modules

Sample Modules from PBC’s Training Programmes

For full details of all modules or information about creating bespoke training programmes, contact us here…

Sample Module from Introduction to Legal Advice

Assessing Clients and Practical Skills

Identifying clients’ issues and dealing with difficult clients – problems and practical suggestions; interview techniques; triage techniques; referrals and signposting; distinguishing between legal and non-legal issues; listening and reading client exercise.

Other modules include Background, Other Organisations and Legal Aid; Introduction to Social Welfare Law; Introduction and Context of Welfare Reform

Sample Module from Welfare Benefits Law for Volunteers

Disability and Carer’s Benefits

Disability Living Allowance; Personal Independence Payment (how it works and why it is being introduced); similarities and differences between PIP and DLA (including aids and appliances and fluctuating needs); DLA transfers to PIP; Attendance Allowance; Carer’s Allowance.

Other modules include: Employment and Support Allowance and the Work Capability Assessment; Universal Credit; Help with Housing Costs; Benefits and Immigration; Decisions and Reconsiderations; Advocacy and Appeals

Sample Module from Housing Law for Volunteers

Different types of tenancy

Different types of tenancies and key features, including: secure and assured social tenancies; introductory tenancies; ASTs granted by private landlords; ASTs granted by social landlords; flexible tenancies; the main types of tenancies that fall outside statutes/protection (resident landlords, non-secure tenancies).

Other modules include: An Introduction to Housing Law; Possession Proceedings; Common Landlord and Tenant Issues; Homelessness and Allocations

Sample Module from Employment Law for Volunteers

Dismissal

Definition: a) effective date of termination, b) effect of employer appeals process; unfair dismissal: a) automatically unfair reasons for dismissal, b) potentially fair reasons: i. eligibility for unfair dismissal, ii. Capability, iii. Misconduct, iv. contravention of a duty or restriction

Other modules include: An introduction to Employment Law; Basic Claims; Unfair Dismissal; Discrimination; Whistleblowing, Equal Pay and Remedies; Bringing a Claim

Sample Module from Family Law for Volunteers

Divorce

The divorce process and voidable marriages; S.25 factors; financial remedies process: a) first appointment, b) financial dispute resolution, c) final hearing; interim funding – maintenance pending suit; possible maintenance orders and enforcement; mediation; costs

Other modules include: Domestic Violence – Screening and understanding legal remedies; Domestic Violence – Domestic abuse remedies; Child Maintenance Service and Applications to Court; Children Act 1989 Section 8 Applications and International Child Abduction; Public Law – Awareness of police protection and Emergency Protection Orders; Professional obligations in cases of suspected child abuse

Sample Module from Debt Advice for Volunteers

An Introduction to Debt Advice

Common Issues: e.g., Council Tax arrears, parking tickets and county court judgments; unsecured and payday lending; credit and store card debts; action by bailiffs; bringing a contractual debt claim

Sample Module from Consumer Law for Volunteers

An Introduction to Consumer Law

What is consumer law?; advertising and unfair trading; quality – sale of goods, services and digital content; unfair terms; distance selling, information and cancellation; consumer enforcement and remedies

For more details about training programmes including full course outlines and information on how to tailor training programmes to your particular needs, please contact us…

What people say about our work

“Freshfields has been involved in the Pro Bono Community course since 2014…We believe that the Pro Bono Community course equips our prospective trainees with a strong understanding of housing and welfare benefits law which makes them a much more effective volunteer at our relationship law centres when they start at the firm.”
Hannah Tye, Pro Bono Manager and Solicitor, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer