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.
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.”
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.
The Law Clinic is widely regarded as upholding ‘Access to Justice’ through its provision of pro bono legal services for its clients. Another outcome that is perhaps less well recognised, is the access to quality legal work experience that the clinic provides to students who might be prevented from gaining this type of experience elsewhere. In a field known to be highly competitive, this is invaluable for many students, and I personally believe that the law clinic makes incredible leaps in advancing social mobility in this regard.
I secured my place at the law clinic in 2022. Any prospective law student who wishes to join the clinic completes an application form and interview which, if successful, leads to them being allocating a place as a student advisor. This recruitment process allows students from diverse and unique backgrounds to showcase their respective strengths and experience. Whilst this may be perceived to be standard industry practice, some law students continue to experience social and economic barriers when attempting to secure legal work experience elsewhere in the sector.
The Sutton Trust, a social mobility charity, recently found that graduates from more affluent backgrounds were almost 20% more likely to have undertaken a legal internship. Location also matters, with the Trust finding that those in London were significantly more likely to have undertaken an internship than those in Scotland and elsewhere. The research also notes that internships are almost twice as likely to be secured through family and friends, compared to through formal advertisement, further contributing to the widening access gap.
In my view, the law clinic really does help to bridge this gap. While still being predominantly voluntary, it provides students with opportunities to become part of a legal community, helping them connect and develop relationships with internal and external legal practitioners. This is achieved through a variety of ways, including working on real life cases, supporting volunteer solicitors at a bi-monthly Initial Advice Clinic, or meeting with alumni and supporters at events arranged and hosted by the clinic. It also provides some paid opportunities for students to continue their work experience over the summer months through a formal application process.
By providing these opportunities, I believe that the law clinic plays an important role in overcoming some of the barriers to the legal job market that I have described above. By giving students access to flexible working experiences that can be worked around studies, employment, and care commitments, the law clinic makes a real effort towards lessening the gap of opportunity that currently exists. It reassures me that merit can and should ultimately lead you to where you want to be. Therefore, to me, the law clinic goes beyond providing ‘access to justice’ in the traditional sense. It also provides access of opportunity for students irrespective of their background or external circumstances. This to me encompasses the wider ethos of the clinic: to advance justice for the entirety of its community, clients and students alike.
Press release on work done by volunteers on our Environmental Justice Project:
During the period May-June 2024, students from the University of Strathclyde offered support to the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change and Human Rights, Elisa Morgera, by carrying out background research as part of their law clinic experience.
The research was relevant for the preparation of the first two thematic reports of the Rapporteur, who started her mandate on 1 May 2024 and delivered a report on intersectionality (UN Doc A/HRC/56/46) in June and another report on access to information on climate change and human rights (UN Doc A/79/176) in mid-July.
The Rapporteur discussed the first report at the Human Rights Council in July 2024 (see video-recording of a short presentation; and the full dialogue, see also here and here); and will discuss the second report at the UN General Assembly in October 2024.
The UN Special Rapporteur is a pro-bono and independent position supported by the UN. The UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change role entails contributing to the development of international human rights standards to address and prevent the adverse effects of climate change on human rights in national policymaking, legislation and planning, as well as in international cooperation and in the business sector. The Special Rapporteur’s work aims to contribute to the achievement of SDG13 and SDG14, supporting the resilience and adaptive capacities of people in vulnerable situations to respond to the adverse impacts of climate change.
Many thanks to Elisa Morgera, for bringing this work to our students, Gillian Melville, for supervising student involvement, and to the following student advisors who were involved in this research: Jasleen Kaur, Jennifer Thompson, Alison Duncan and, Natalie Houston.
On Wednesday, Strathclyde Law Clinic hosted a crossover event with the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)’s Employment Rights Advice Service. This event brought together students and staff from the Clinic alongside staff and caseworkers from CAB Dumfries and Galloway and CAB Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey.
The event was a great opportunity to exchange knowledge, explore potential collaborations, and strengthen the relationship between our organisations, all with a shared goal at heart: improving access to justice.
The visit kicked off with a tour of the Clinic, giving our CAB guests an insight into our work and how we support our clients. This was followed by presentations designed to deepen our understanding of each other’s organisations. Student Director, Natalie Marshall, and supervisor, Gillian Melville, delivered an engaging presentation on the Clinic’s work and outlined key ways that we could collaborate with CAB to provide even greater support to those in need.
Representatives from both CAB offices then took the stage, offering valuable insights into their day-to-day operations, the challenges they face, and the vital role they play in supporting communities. It was enlightening to examine both the similarities and differences between CAB and the Clinic—not only in terms of how we operate but also in the areas we cover and the obstacles we encounter. What became clear from the presentations was that demand for services that CAB and the Clinic offer is higher than ever, with individuals increasingly seeking guidance and support. This only reinforced the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing between our organisations to ensure those in need can access the right help at the right time.
Following the presentations, attendees had the chance to network and discuss how we could work more closely together. We identified common challenges in our work, and a shared ethos, sparking conversations about potential collaborations for the future.
For our student advisors, the event was an invaluable experience—not just in terms of networking but also in gaining a broader perspective on the sector and a wider understanding of access to justice issues and different paths that can be taken in tackling them. It was also a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Clinic’s services, particularly given that many of our clients come to us through CAB referrals.
We would like to thank all of the CAB representatives who travelled to meet us, with a special thanks to Janice Reid, Employment Rights Advice Service (ERAS) Coordinator, for contacting the law clinic and arranging the session with our supervisor Gillian.
Like the Clinic, CAB also welcomes volunteers and provides training. If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact CAB directly to learn more about their opportunities: https://www.cas.org.uk/about-us/volunteer-citizens-advice-bureau
Studying in Norway was an unbelievable experience for me in every aspect, from the beautiful nature to the interesting teaching approach. At the beginning, when I first moved to Norway, I felt slightly down. The unfamiliar environment, the challenge of settling into a new country, and the differences in academic structure left me feeling overwhelmed. However, as I adjusted to my new surroundings, I began to appreciate the unique aspects of living and studying in Norway.
In Norway, the approach to studying law was quite different from what I was used to at Strathclyde. At Strathclyde, independent study is complemented by numerous opportunities to test and refine our understanding before the final exam. Assignments, tutorials, and group discussions allow students to engage actively with the material and receive feedback throughout the semester. In contrast, the system in Norway is almost entirely independent. Lectures are non-compulsory, and there are few structured opportunities to gauge your progress or challenge your knowledge before the final assessment. The exam, which typically accounts for 100 per cent of your grade, requires a high level of self-discipline and effective time management. Adapting to this approach was initially daunting, but it also taught me the importance of self-reliance and personal accountability in my studies. The freedom to structure my learning allowed me to explore topics in depth, though it also highlighted the need to stay organised and motivated without the regular checkpoints I was used to at Strathclyde.
One of the best parts of my semester in Norway was getting to explore its incredible natural landscapes. Norway is famous for its dramatic fjords, towering mountains, and endless hiking trails, and I made it a priority to experience as much of it as I could. The hikes were like nothing I’d ever done before. Some trails were easy walks through peaceful forests, while others were tougher climbs that led to stunning viewpoints. Each one offered something different—whether it was the calm of a quiet lake or the jaw-dropping sight of a fjord stretching out below. Being out in nature like that gave me a chance to unwind and recharge, especially when things got busy with my studies. Outdoor activities are such a big part of Norwegian culture, and it’s easy to see why—it’s impossible not to feel connected to the world around you when you’re surrounded by so much natural beauty.
During my time in Norway, I also stayed actively involved in the clinic. As the Coordinator of TAP, I ensured that the TAP IACs at the clinic ran smoothly while continuing to work on online cases. Balancing this role remotely alongside my studies was challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding. It allowed me to stay connected to the clinic’s work and maintain my contributions, even from a distance. The experience taught me valuable lessons in time management, adaptability, and the importance of clear communication in a remote working environment.
Reflecting on my time in Norway, I can honestly say that the experience was life changing. The differences in academic approach, while initially challenging, helped me grow both as a student and as an individual. The freedom and responsibility that came with the independent learning style in Norway gave me a new sense of self-reliance and time management. Meanwhile, exploring the stunning natural landscapes provided a much-needed balance to the demands of academic life and gave me a deeper appreciation for the outdoors.
Overall, my semester abroad not only broadened my academic horizons but also enriched my personal life in ways I never expected. It’s a reminder that stepping outside of your comfort zone can lead to some of the most rewarding experiences. Studying in Norway was an unforgettable chapter in my journey, and I’ll carry the lessons learned and the memories made with me for years to come.
The evening was well attended by students, as well as staff, alumni, our law school and members of our wider community, past and present. Highlights from the evening included looking over statistics from the past year, and our traditional AGM Awards!
You can read our Annual Report, which covers the content covered at our AGM, below:
Best Caseworker – Hannah Stewart & Callum Butterworth
Nominees:
Lauren Weetman, Adam Crainie, Scott Gillanders, Jessica Jayan, Allana Williams and Callum Byers
Best Case – GF (Allana Williams, Pamela Isujaf, Eva Ronnie, Jessica Jayan, Natalie Houston, Amy Vicker & Rahmah Aslan)
Nominees:
PB – Lauren Weetman & Jessica Jayan
DE – Cameron Murphy & Maria Takovchuk
RW – Jasleen Kaur & Amy Vickers
JG – Romy Gilgallon & Cameron McCreaner
The Effie Shaw Award for Dedication – Abbie Clark
Nominees: Jessica Jayan, Corey Beaton, Saeed Azodazad, Hannah Stewart, Natalie Marshall, Ava Ferguson, Lauren Weetman, Laura Nicol and Allana Williams
The Amanda Benstock Award for Compassion – Ava Ferguson
Nominees: Adam Crainie, Natalie Marshall, Pamela Isujaf, Corey Beaton, Saeed Azodazad, Hannah Stewart, Rahmah Aslan, Jasleen Kaur and Jessica Jayan
Best Overall Contribution – Lauren Weetman
Initial Advisor Training
Each year we deliver an extensive suite of training sessions to new recruits to best prepare them for undertaking case and project work within the clinic. The training takes place across 4 distinct training sessions which allows pre-existing advisors and our training team to work alongside new recruits and welcome them into the clinic, whilst addressing any questions they have. Sessions covered the following key areas:
Interview Training
Practice Rules
Statement of Facts Drafting
Legal Research Skills
Letter of Advice drafting
Case management skills
We want to take this opportunity to thank Jessica Jayan and Callum Butterworth for their work in organising and delivering this years’ Initial Advisor Training. We also want to congratulate and welcome all of our new Student Advisors having just completed IAT.
Lord Reed Talk&60th Anniversary Celebration
By Corey Beaton, Gordon Gow and Natalie Marshall (Student Director Team)
This October has been exceptionally busy for the University of Strathclyde Law Clinic. Outside of our day-to-day casework and project work our Supervisors and Student Directors were delighted to attend the University of Strathclyde Law School’s 60th anniversary ball at the Raddison Blu Glasgow. This inspiring event allowed us all to hear how Strathclyde Law School has shaped the lives of many who have gone on to offer enormous contributions to the Scottish Legal profession, including speeches from Lord Hope, Thomas Ross KC, and Professor emeritus Kenneth Norrie. Overall, this was an incredibly rewarding event to feel part of a community who are all so talented in what they do and who provide encouragement to those striving to enter the profession.
On 28th October 2024, the Law Clinic was afforded the rare opportunity to assist the Strathclyde Law School in hosting the Rt. Hon Lord Reed, President of the UK Supreme Court on our campus to mark not only the Law School’s 60th anniversary, but also the 15th anniversary of the Supreme Court. This event comprised of a lecture titled ‘Why Does the Supreme Court matter for Scotland?’ and was followed by a response from the Rt. Hon Dorothy Bain KC, Lord Advocate for Scotland. Prior to the lecture, there was a coffee reception during which volunteers from the Law Clinic were pleased to run an information stand. Our stand was visited by those such as Lord Hope and former Clinic Supervisory Committee member, Sheriff Ian Miller. As a Law Clinic which offers representation at both the Sheriff Courts and the First-tier Tribunal, it was empowering to hear how valuable representation by students is from those who we aspire to appear before. Overall, this event provided a sense of comfort for our students who are battling imposter syndrome at the thought of representing. Our Student Director team was also on hand to assist in welcoming guests and running the Q&A session that followed Lord Reed’s lecture.
We’d like to offer a massive thank you to Strathclyde Law School for the opportunities afforded to us over the past month.
Associate Membership at Royal Faculty of Procurators Glasgow
The Clinic is pleased to announce that it has joined the Royal Faculty of Procurators Glasgow as an Associate Practice Unit Member. This will allow any current Student Adviser from the Law Clinic to become a member of the RFPG for just £15 per academic year. Members get access to the faculty’s library and to its extensive education/CPD programme, and kept up to date about these events through regular email announcements.
To take advantage of this offer, please contact library@rfpg.org.uk or telephone 0141 332 3593.
About the Faculty Library:
The Royal Faculty of Procurators has maintained a library since 1817 which has been housed at the Royal Faculty building at 12 Nelson Mandela Place in the centre of Glasgow since 1857.
Membership of the Royal Faculty provides access to resources out with the budget of a small firm and can represent a significant saving to a larger firm’s budget.
Members of the Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow are entitled to use the largest law library in the West of Scotland for research, quiet study, for the loan of textbooks, law reports and journals and as a meeting place for legal practitioners.
About the Faculty’s Education/CPD Programme:
The Royal Faculty’s CPD education programme has long been highly regarded as providing excellent training and education, usually free to its members. It’s seminars remain topical and relevant to legal practitioners and are a great way to keep up to date with topics relevant to legal practice and wider legal education.
Law School Prizegiving (13th November)
Abbie Clark – The Shepherd & Wedderburn Prize for Best Student in Commercial Law (Joint Prize Winner)
Alison Duncan – The Prize for Criminal Law and Evidence, The Prize for Constitutional Law (Joint Prize Winner)
Allana Williams – The Prize for Law of Persons (Joint Prize Winner)
Alyssa Smart – The Prize for Public Law 2
Callum Butterworth – The Prize for Law of Persons (Joint Prize Winner)
Gordon Gow – Robson Prize for Outstanding Contribution to the Law School
Harbani Kohli – Gianna Devin Award for Outstanding Contribution to Student Experience
Lauren Weetman – The Prize for European Union Law
Case Updates
A long-running employment case which saw two of our advisors representing over a 4.5 day final hearing at the Employment Tribunal earlier this year, was poised for appeal and our client had not yet received the sum awarded as a result. Recently, the appeal was rejected and our client has finally received their award.
In the last couple of months, we have concluded several long-running cases with settlements. In one case, our advisors were prepared to represent at Simple Procedure when the other side increased the sum craved, further delaying the hearing. We have since managed to settle this case with a good result for the client.
Online Handbook
by Hannah Stewart, Online Project Coordinator
Megan and I are delighted to have an updated handbook for the project to give our student advisor a hand in completing online cases. It features the basic structure of the project, but also has style tips, research links for where to start for different types of cases, and even quite a few stock responses and examples to make writing the basics much easier.
With Pro Bono Week fast approaching, shining the spotlight on the role of voluntary legal work is of utmost importance. The pro bono effort of solicitors has a profound impact on both those seeking access to legal advice and the broader legal community alike. Efforts that shine particularly brightly are those in collaboration with university law clinics that fulfil a unique role in extending access to justice for vulnerable individuals, while broadening the experiences of law students. This collaboration not only addresses a critical gap in legal services but ensures ordinary members of the public receive high-quality advice without the cost concerns.
In pursuit of ensuring access to justice for all, the University of Strathclyde Law Clinic provides free legal assistance to those who cannot afford it but are not eligible for legal aid. However, even with the dedication of student advisors there are limitations to what we can achieve without the additional input of volunteer solicitors, who play a crucial part in helping the clinic to meet its aims on a pro bono basis.
Solicitors bring a wealth of practical knowledge and experience to law clinics, whether it’s interpreting complex legal jargon, guiding clients through their legal options or talking them through critical steps in the legal process. For many clients, having access to legal advice in the manner offered at Strathclyde Law Clinic Initial Advice Clinic project can be the difference between successfully navigating a legal issue and being overwhelmed by the system. As the Coordinator of this project, I see at firsthand the enquirer’s initial query through to the assistance provided by solicitors at the IAC. Most importantly I see the positive impact on those who approach our service and how they are empowered to understand the law and progress claims.
The collaboration between solicitors and university law clinics characterises the very core of pro bono work. To this end the Initial Advice Clinic project facilitates appointments between members of the public and solicitors that provides much needed guidance in a manageable format that allows solicitors to work flexibly around their day-to-day commitments. In many instances solicitor volunteers bring specialisation in areas of the law that greatly enhances the clinic’s ability to serve a wider range of enquires. Their expertise in areas such as employment, housing, consumer, civil and immigration law can provide life-changing outcomes for those who might otherwise face challenging obstacles. However, as a future facing institution, we are always working towards expanding the areas of law in which we can advise – the IAC is the perfect format for this, whether in relation to wills, succession and executries through to family law matters. Our volunteer solicitors can provide that one off piece of advice in an area that students cannot advise in and often assist a person to have the confidence to seek further legal advice.
As we participate in Pro Bono Week it’s worth reflecting on the powerful impact that solicitor pro bono work can have and how it contributes the role of the wider legal profession in Scotland. By giving freely of a small portion of their time and expertise solicitors play a critical role in supporting law clinics and empowering the next generation of legal professionals, while making a lasting difference to the lives of those most in need of legal help.
The Strathclyde Law Clinic encourages those wanting to learn more about our Initial Advice Clinic to get in touch – lawclinic@strath.ac.uk/lauren.weetman.2021@uni.strath.ac.uk
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