by Corey Beaton, Student Director

On Friday 21 March 2025, I had the privilege of attending the Aberdeen Law Project’s Annual Lecture, following a kind invitation from its outgoing Student Director, Soma Mehmood.

Founded in 2009, Aberdeen Law Project’s activities chiefly focus on community outreach programmes to communities of interest living in Aberdeen, but the Project and its student volunteers also offer advice and representation services to its clients through its clinical work.

The above was the sum total of my awareness of the Project’s activities, but I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to learn more about its work on the night from its information displays and past and current student volunteers.

In line with previous years’ speakers at the Annual Lectures, the keynote address by the Advocate General for Scotland, Baroness Smith of Cluny KC, certainly did not disappoint. In spite of the position that she attained in August 2024 following her appointment by the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, the insights given by Baroness Smith to her duties as Advocate General, alongside her personal and professional journey to achieving that position, were as candid as they were encouraging.

Baroness Smith’s keynote address focused on three key themes: the rule of law; diversity and inclusion; and the importance of voluntary work. Taken in isolation, each of these themes is more important socially, legally, and politically than ever before; taken together and viewed holistically, they encapsulate the purest essence of what being a part of a law clinic is, and particularly the importance of the work that we do and the impact we have on those we support.

In seeking to achieve the three key principles of the rule of law – to be precise, concise, and accessible – in our advice and support given to our clients, law clinics play a keystone role in bridging the gap between those who are in a position to access legal services, and those who are otherwise unable to if it were not for the support we provide. Coupled with our Clinic’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, (in respect of our student advisers, clients, and through the vast array of benefits derived from being a volunteer), we are very well placed to continue working towards Baroness Smith’s vision of facilitating access to justice across our society.

As she noted, as a single mother who worked as an advocate and volunteer, I hope that her experiences resonate with those in the legal community – of which the vast majority is female – and inspire them to strive for the same goals that she did. Equally, for the men reading this, I hope it serves as a vital reminder of the role that we must play as champions for the greater inclusion of women in all levels of our profession, particularly in leadership.

We all have our own reasons for volunteering. This could be skills- and capacity-building through to making an impact on the most prevailing social issues in our communities. Baroness Smith’smotivation was equally relatable – because volunteering is genuinely interesting and enriching. That one of three of the UK Government’s law officers has this opinion of volunteering even after reaching the pinnacle of the profession is not just heartening, but enlightening. While we all have lofty ambitions for our career trajectories, it is equally important to continue giving back as well as looking forward.

I wish Soma all the very best in her future career, and I equally wish all the best to the two incoming Student Directors of Aberdeen Law Project. Our organisations have plenty in common, not least in the fact that we are both student-led and student-run, but particularly in the impact that we have on those who we support to make them, their voices, and their issues matter. We look forward to developing our relationship going forward, and thank you again for your kind invitation to this year’s Annual Lecture.

If you are interested in learning more about the Aberdeen Law Project, you can find their website via the following link: https://abdnlawproject.com/

by Hannah Stewart

At the University of Strathclyde Law Clinic, we aim to make legal assistance as accessible as possible. We understand that any legal meeting can be hugely daunting, particularly given the areas of law we often work with. We want to make our meeting environment as comfortable as possible and therefore would like to shine a light on what to expect from your first meeting with our student advisors.

What is an initial interview?
An ‘initial interview’ is the first meeting between a client and their student advisors. It will be arranged with the Clinic’s admin team over email or telephone, at a time to best suit your needs and availability.

The goal of an initial interview is for our advisors to gain a full understanding of your legal query. Our advisors cannot provide any legal advice during this meeting.

How long will my interview last?
Initial interviews are given an hour and a half time slot, but they often vary in duration. Please do not feel pressured by having a set time limit – our advisors will do their best to accommodate you to allow you to share your legal issue as fully as possible. A follow up meeting can be arranged if necessary.

Where do I go?
All initial interviews take place in the Law Clinic, at the following address:
Graham Hills Buildings
Room 844
Level 8
40 George Street
Glasgow
G1 1BA

We have some videos on our social media pages that demonstrate how to find the Clinic, here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9RqS1CNbqT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== and https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9m6fp2N3cX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==.

What will happen at the initial interview?
Our advisors will greet you in the Law Clinic’s reception and will show you to a meeting room. There are toilets and refreshments available – please do not hesitate to ask your advisors about these.

You will be required to sign some forms regarding the work we do at the Clinic, to ensure we have permission to act on your behalf and store your data. You will have been sent this prior to the initial interview and our advisors will take you through these during the meeting. More information can be found in the email arranging the meeting.

The advisors will then allow you to talk through your case. They will ask some questions to gain a clearer understanding of the issue you are facing, as well as what help you would like from the Law Clinic.

Our initial interviews are designed to be informal and make you feel as at ease as possible – there is no expectation for you to provide detail of the possible legal claims or processes. All we need is your story.

Do I need to bring anything with me?
If you have any documents that you think are relevant to your issue, please bring these into the Clinic for your interview. Our advisors may take scans of these documents. If you are not sure what documents, if any, would be relevant in your circumstances, please do not worry. Any essential documents will be requested from you in future correspondence from your advisors.

What if I forget to share some important information?
We understand that it can be incredibly overwhelming to share details of your issue, and you may feel afterwards that there are things you have forgotten to share. You are welcome to share any further information by emailing the Law Clinic email address. You can also call and leave a message. This information will be passed on to your advisors and taken into account.

What happens next?
Our advisors will work together to draft a ‘statement of facts’ about your case. This is a document that details your issue in chronological order. Once this is complete, you will be sent this document to review and confirm that our advisors have correctly understood your issue.

Following this, our advisors will consult with their supervisor, a legal professional, to explore how the Law Clinic can best help you with your issue. They will provide details of any help we can offer in a letter of advice.

If you are in need of legal advice, please do not hesitate to complete an enquiry on our website, at https://www.lawclinic.org.uk/enquiry-form.

The EJP project was kick started in July last year by a generous donation from Strathclyde’s alumni fund. The funding led to the recruitment of a project coordinator and a deputy coordinator, Dylan Wright and Natalie Houston respectively, both of whom have been progressing the project ever since.

Dylan describes his experience below:
“Thanks to the grant provided by the Alumni Fund, I was taken on by the Clinic in a paid summer role. In this role, I had to pleasure of working on several aspects of the Environmental Justice project. I assisted in a research project in collaboration with C2LI (Climate Justice Legal Initiative), which involved researching environmental litigation cases to help populate a climate litigation database. I also carried out a mapping exercise, looking into what other law clinics were doing in this area of law regionally, nationally and internationally, and what organisations were working with law clinics in this area of law. I collated this information into a project guidance note which has been used to inform the project’s future direction. I was then able to apply for the role of project coordinator. This opportunity has allowed me to gain a further understanding of this area of law, which was one that I was not overly familiar with before. It also helped me to assist with the fantastic work being done by those already working in this area. It helped me to hone my research skills and work on projects that are making a difference in the field of climate justice. This experience, whilst being personally and professionally fulfilling, has provided me with a greater skill set that will last me beyond my years in formal education, and has enabled us as a clinic to forge lasting connections with those we collaborated with thus far.’

We thank the alumni fund for its donation and look forward to seeing what the project does in the future.

By Harbani Kohli

On 12 February 2025, we welcomed our founder, Professor Donald Nicolson back to the University of Strathclyde to give a talk on his new book “How to Set up and Run a Law Clinic: Principles and Practice”. The event was hosted by the University of Strathclyde and organised by Gordon Gow, Student Director, and Gillian Melville, Supervisor. Many thanks to those who attended the event and to those who made the event possible. 
The following article was produced by Harbani Kohli, a Student Advisor who attended the talk, and provides a detailed overview of the event and the main points discussed by Prof Nicolson…

Professor Donald Nicolson OBE is a pioneering figure in the law clinic world.  His inspiring career has been dedicated to making the law more accessible, while empowering the next generation of socially conscious lawyers.  We at Strathclyde know Professor Nicolson as the founder of Strathclyde Law Clinic, an award-winning model for student-led law clinics across the UK.  The thriving clinic today reflects Donald’s belief that law students should gain practical experience while making a difference in their communities. The Clinic will celebrate 22 years this year, and it’s continued success remains a testament to what was envisioned more than two decades ago.

On 12 February 2025, I joined staff and students at a talk by Professor Nicolson about his recent publication, “How to Set up and Run a Law Clinic: Principles and Practice” co-authored with JoNel Newman and Richard Grimes. The session, which was hosted by Strathclyde University, was well attended by those with an interest in pro bono legal services and education, and I am glad to have been there for Professor Nicolson’s homecoming.

Professor Nicolson gave guidance for those wishing to establish and manage their own law clinics, while also giving attendees a deeper understanding of the founding principles behind Strathclyde Law Clinic. It was great to see some of the original founding student members of Strathclyde Law Clinic present at the session too.

Professor Nicolson spoke about the importance of experiential student learning. He also discussed the importance of supervisors, which stuck with me, as I have always felt incredibly supported by the supervisors at Strathclyde Law Clinic who truly go above and beyond in their support for students.

Professor Nicolson also spoke about the duality of clinics, which, depending on which type of clinic you set up, can function as both places of learning and places to enhance access to justice. This is the model in action at Strathclyde Law Clinic and I think it demonstrates that when a law clinic provides legal services to people who cannot afford it, it also shapes minds and encourages the next generation of lawyers to think about the importance of pro bono work.

The Law Clinic at Strathclyde runs various projects in line with Professor Nicolson’s suggestions including Public Legal Education Sessions, specialised projects, and generalist advice platforms like the Initial Advice Clinic (IAC). As the Depute IAC Coordinator, I have had the chance to experience running the latter first hand which has shown me its importance in people’s lives and how crucial it is for people to have access to legal advice.

Strathclyde Law Clinic is and remains a social justice-oriented clinic. It became a formally educationally oriented as well with the introduction of the clinical LLB (CLLB) programme, an innovative degree designed by Professor Nicolson, which is thought to be unique in the UK, and possibly in the world.

Professor Nicolson’s observations force one to think about one’s motivations towards becoming a lawyer. I personally have had the privilege to speak to many students who genuinely want to give back, not just to the community but to the Law Clinic that played a pivotal role in their legal journeys.

I started my studies at Strathclyde in 2022 and joined the Strathclyde Law Clinic as a Student Advisor and Elected Member in the 2023 cohort, hoping it would be something I could speak about during application season, but it quickly became a part of who I am. The clinic completely transformed my experience, and I instantly felt like I belonged and had someplace to go. This is the essence of what I took away from Professor Nicolson’s talk. Law clinics don’t only have a social justice benefit, but they can bring people together and oftentimes give students purpose, both personally and professionally.

The talk was followed by a well-attended social which shows that law clinics aren’t just charitable bodies but can be like big families. I have certainly felt that way and Professor Nicolson’s message to keep the family together can certainly be seen throughout his book and in the way he delivered his lecture. I am privileged to be a part of the Clinic at Strathclyde and to have been able to attend the talk because it was a testament to how far Professor Nicolson’s vision has come and gives us as students ideas on how to develop it even more for the future.

With this year’s theme being “Accelerate Action”, we are showcasing some of our incredible volunteers who are taking action in their role as a Student Volunteer with the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre. We hope by sharing the experiences of our volunteers you are inspired to take action this International Women’s Day to further gender equality. You can hear from those volunteers below:

“As student volunteers at the SWRC we witness that the law too often fails to protect women from gender-based violence and creates a society where women having equal opportunities seems almost unimaginable. The rights of women need protection and advocacy now more than ever, whether that be due to dangerous misogynistic beliefs growing amongst younger males, or the legal aid crisis denying women access to justice. 

On this year’s International Women’s Day, it is therefore crucial to work together to Accelerate Action towards achieving Gender Equality. This can take the shape of sharing resources from groups like the SWRC to those you think may need it or taking the time to educate yourself on issues of gender inequality that continue to affect every women in our society. By doing this we can speed up change that women require to live free from harm.”

Heather Dickson (SWRC Coordinator)

“The work done by the SWRC to advocate for women experiencing gender-based violence is hugely important, and volunteering with the SWRC team has been a highlight of my work at the Clinic. It is incredibly empowering to have the opportunity to contribute to the work they do and to see the bigger picture of the impact of our research. I am proud to be involved in helping women navigate this complex and challenging area of law.”

Hannah Stewart

“International Women’s Day is more than just a celebration, it’s a call to action. It reminds us of the incredible progress made toward gender equality while also shining a light on the injustices that persist, particularly the devastating impact of gender-based violence. Too many women still face barriers to safety, justice, and independence, and it is our collective responsibility to challenge these inequalities. Working with the SWRC has been an eye-opening and deeply personal experience. It reinforced my belief that legal advocacy is not just about the law, it is about giving women the power to reclaim their lives.  

Days like IWD remind me why I chose this path. They remind us all that change is possible and necessary. When we stand up, speak out, and support one another, we move one step closer to a world where no woman has to live in fear, and every woman has the opportunity to thrive.”

Tharana Arun

“I’m incredibly proud to be a volunteer at the SWRC! Being part of an organisation that supports women and girls facing challenges and barriers to justice across Scotland is powerful! My experience as a volunteer has not only deepened my passion for this cause but has also inspired me to spark more conversations with others about critical issues. I believe that by raising awareness and speaking openly, we can work towards a more supportive and inclusive society.”

Mia Presslie

“The Law has the power to transform lives- but too often, women still face significant challenges in accessing justice. Volunteering with the SWRC has been an eye-opening experience, showing me firsthand the barriers women encounter in the legal system. It has been incredibly inspiring to continue to advocate for change in Scotland. 

On this International Women’s Day, I am reflecting and celebrating the strength and resilience of women and around the world.”

Morgan Francis

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By Morgan Francis

On Friday 21 February, I had the opportunity to attend a domestic abuse training day hosted by the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre (SWRC). The event was designed for students, trainees and newly qualified solicitors and aimed to deepen our understanding of domestic abuse and to equip us with the knowledge to provide informed legal advice.

The training day featured a plenary session led by Helen Hughes, covering key topics such as understanding domestic abuse, trauma and the legal framework surrounding protective orders. In addition, there were smaller breakout sessions to consider case studies focusing on trauma- informed client meetings and advising victims on protective orders. This article explores some of my key takeaways from the training and things I learned.

Understanding Domestic Abuse
When advising clients who have experienced domestic abuse, it is crucial that you have a sound knowledge of the relevant law and a clear understanding of what domestic abuse and coercive control entails. It is also essential to recognise how trauma can impact clients at every stage of the legal process.

Research shows that domestic abuse is not typically an isolated incident, but rather takes the form of a pattern of coercive control over any and every aspect of a person’s life. Control takes away autonomy, freedom of speech, freedom of movement and for two women a week in England and Wales (reguge.org.uk), and in the last four years, 31 women in Scotland, their lives.

Section 11 (7c) of the 1995 Act defines abuse as including ‘violence, harassment, threatening conduct and any other conduct, giving rise, or likely to give rise to physical or mental injury, fear, alarm or distress’ and defines conduct as including ‘speech and presence in a specified place or area’.

As well as asking sensitive trauma informed questions, it is paramount you assess the risks specific to your client and remain mindful of those risks throughout the case. Safety should be the primary consideration. Always ask the question- is the next step I am about to take safe for my client and her children?

Protective Orders
Even when the perpetrator is subject to bail conditions or special bail conditions it is still open to the victim to seek protective orders via the civil courts. What orders the client can seek will depend on a variety of factors, including whether the client and the perpetrator of abuse are married, civil partners or a cohabiting couple.

The Matrimonial Homes (Family Protection) Scotland Act 1981 and the Civil Partnership Act 2004 offer protective orders in the form of:
1. Exclusion Orders
2. Matrimonial Interdicts
3. Domestic Interdict.

For protective orders to be effective, it is necessary for a power of arrest to be attached to them. A power of arrest enables the police to arrest the perpetrator of abuse if they breach the terms of the court order. All powers of arrest are now sought in terms of the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001.

Final Reflection
Having the opportunity to listen to Helen Hughes was very inspiring and has been a highlight of my recent volunteering with the SWRC. With International Women’s Day 2025 approaching, the training reiterated the barriers many victims of domestic abuse still face in the legal system. It highlights the importance of continuing to advocate for change- both for women in Scotland and around the world.

by Heather Dickson

One of the highlights of my time at the Strathclyde Law Clinic has undoubtedly been my involvement in the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre (SWRC) project. I was therefore delighted to undertake an internship with the SWRC over the summer. It was a great opportunity which allowed me to learn from the legal team at Just Right Scotland and spend time with the advocacy team at Rape Crisis Scotland. The experience I gained has been incredibly valuable and I know it will help me throughout the rest of my legal career.

Throughout the summer, I was able to massively develop my practical legal skills. I learnt how to use case management systems, draft court documents and take effective meeting notes. My research skills were also strengthened. I was given the task to begin scoping out the development of accessible legal guides explaining to service users how to self-represent in legal proceedings. With the current legal aid crisis forcing many marginalised people to face court alone, I’m sure these guides will be extremely beneficial for women in Scotland.

What I also found very interesting was shadowing solicitors and advocacy works on the SWRC helpline or during legal callbacks to service users. I quickly came to realise that gender-based violence can impact all aspects of everyday life and so the list of legal issues that women can experience is extensive. This highlighted to me just how important the SWRC is in ensuring access to justice to survivors/women who often feel unsupported by the law.

My favourite thing about this internship has got to be working with everyone, not just at the SWRC, but across the whole of Just Right Scotland. I felt a part of the team almost instantly, being invited to staff meetings or lunches and receiving lots of helpful career (and travel) advice! It has certainly made the idea of lawyers and law firms a lot less daunting. I can’t wait to continue working with everyone as I take on the role of SWRC coordinator within the Strathclyde Law Clinic this academic year. I would also encourage both new and existing advisors to get involved with this exciting project in the coming year!