The Law Centre provides free legal advice for Camden tenants on housing law.
Drop in advice
We are open to callers without appointment for legal advice on housing matters on Wednesdays from 10am to 1pm. Advice is given on a first come first served basis. We also have drop in advice sessions in the afternoons on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with different specialist advisers on each time, please call reception on 0207 284 6510 for up to date information.
Evening advice sessions
These are held on Wednesday evenings, by appointment only, staffed by volunteer specialists: solicitors, barristers and other advisers.
Telephone advice
We offer telephone advice for urgent matters, initial advice or quick queries, and for those who would have difficulty getting to the Law Centre, from Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm, except Tuesdays when lines open from 2pm to 6pm.
We advise on the following type of problem:
We prioritise the following:
Who we act for
People who have made an application as homeless to the London Borough of Camden. We assist with initial applications, reviews and appeals to the county court.
Tenants of the local authority, housing associations and co-operatives, as well as private tenants. We represent tenants in possession proceedings in the County Court and help with applications to prevent eviction.
Clients experiencing racial or sexual harassment. We advise on legal rights and advocate with the council and the police.
Due to the extreme housing shortage in Camden we get many requests for help with transfers in particular where there is medical need and/or severe overcrowding.
There is generally little we can do to help but we give as much advice as we can.
Duty scheme
We take part in a rota of Law Centres and other advice agencies that advise and represent tenants in possession proceedings at the Central London County Court.
Defendants are strongly encouraged to seek advice as early as possible as cases can sometimes be settled beforehand.
Duty advisers only have a short time to deal with each case on the day. We assist defendants in front of the judge if necessary.
At evening sessions we offer advice on:
We do not take cases on at the evening sessions. Advisers will draft letters and complaints for clients to send in their own name an they may return for further advice, if necessary, once a reply has been received.
The housing unit does not advise or act for:
How we work
We are a free service. Where you are eligible for assistance under the Community Legal Service we will help you complete the necessary forms. If we take your case on we will be acting on your behalf, with your instructions, in the same way as private solicitors. Our work is governed by Law Society rules.
Confidentiality
NO information is disclosed to anyone, nor any steps taken, without your permission.
If we cannot take on your case, we will do our best to refer you to an alternative.
Home visits:
We provide home visits for housebound clients who cannot visit the Law Centre.
Language
Law Centre staff speak a number of languages. We can normally arrange for an interpreter or signer where necessary (this requires notice).
Equal opportunities
The Law Centre is an equal opportunities organisation. We aim to ensure that we do not discriminate in the provision of our services.
The Law Centre will not accept oppressive behaviour towards clients, members of staff or management.
Complaints
We try to provide the highest possible standard of service. Complaints about any aspect of our services will be investigated and should be directed to the Chair of the Management Committee of the Law Centre.