Rethinking Consumer Vulnerability in the Legal Services Sector: The Case for the Universal Practice Approach (UPA)

Paolo Baffero; Harriet Pierpoint

doi:10.35295/osls.iisl.2402

Autores/as

Paolo Baffero University of South Wales https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0184-2420
Harriet Pierpoint University of South Wales

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl.2402

Palabras clave:

Enfoque de Práctica Universal (UPA), vulnerabilidad, experiencia vivida, diseño inclusivo, acceso a la justicia

Resumen

La vulnerabilidad sigue siendo un concepto controvertido en los servicios jurídicos, ya que los modelos tradicionales suelen reforzar el estigma mediante la identificación basada en el riesgo. Este artículo presenta el Enfoque de Práctica Universal (UPA, por su nombre en inglés), que replantea la vulnerabilidad como una experiencia universal y dinámica, y aboga por unos servicios jurídicos proactivamente inclusivos basados en el acceso universal, las relaciones de confianza entre proveedores y usuarios y la integración de la experiencia vivida. Basado en una amplia revisión de pruebas y en investigaciones cualitativas con las partes pertinentes, incluidos expertos con experiencia vivida, en Inglaterra, el UPA se basa en seis mecanismos: (1) diseño de servicios inclusivos y proactivos, (2) desarrollo conjunto con expertos con experiencia vivida, (3) entrevistas empoderadoras entre proveedores y usuarios, (4) incorporación de expertos con experiencia vivida y socios comunitarios en la prestación de servicios, (5) formación de profesionales del derecho y (6) bucles de retroalimentación iterativos, en consonancia con objetivos normativos como los de la Autoridad Reguladora de los Abogados. Al centrarse en el acceso universal y la práctica colaborativa, el UPA ofrece un camino transformador hacia un sistema jurídico más justo y equitativo.

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Biografía del autor/a

Paolo Baffero, University of South Wales

Corresponding author.

Paolo is a researcher in sociology and criminology at the University of South Wales. His research engages critically with the intersections of law, policy, and social justice, particularly the ways legal processes shape, constrain, or respond to the experiences of marginalised and structurally disadvantaged communities. He has published in international journals, spoken at major conferences, and contributed to policy reports for government and regulatory bodies. Email: paolo.baffero@southwales.ac.uk

Harriet Pierpoint, University of South Wales

Harriet is a part-time Professor of Criminology at the University of South Wales and co-founder and Chair of the Vulnerability Research Network. Her expertise lies in vulnerability research, particularly within the criminal justice system. She has led numerous criminological, socio-legal, and social research projects across government, regulatory, and third-sector contexts. Her work centres on engaging those affected in meaningful, respectful, and innovative ways to influence change. Email: harriet.pierpoint@southwales.ac.uk

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