Edinburgh University FLAC case featured in Pro Bono Week 20 cases for 20 years celebration
Mon 8 November 2021
A case overseen by the University of Edinburgh's Free Legal Advice Centre has been featured as one of the case studies for the Pro Bono Week '20 years of Pro Bono celebration'.
The case, which was represented by the Faculty of Advocate's Free Legal Services Unit (FLSU) and supported by student volunteers David Gray and Kirsty McGeough from FLAC, was raised by Robert and Nathan Gale who experienced unfair treatment when attending a nightclub in Glasgow. Robert, who has cerebral palsy, was denied entry to the nightclub as the venue could not accommodate wheelchair users. Despite proving he did not need a wheelchair ramp, nightclub staff refused his wheelchair to be bought to him and eventually called the police when Robert joined the dancefloor.
The case was ruled as disability discrimination by the Glasgow Sheriff Court and compensation awarded to Robert and Nathan.
Pro Bono Week organisers recognised this case as,
"... an inspiring example of collaboration between legal professionals and law students dedicated to helping those in need, but it also turned out to be a landmark case, one of a small number of civil cases seen in Scotland under the Equality Act relating to access to commercial premises for disabled people."