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
Pro Bono Week, as defined by the Law Society, “promotes and supports the work of lawyers who volunteer their services for free to people and organisations who couldn’t otherwise afford legal advice”. The existence of pro bono work is undoubtedly essential to the community of Glasgow and its surrounding areas. Its impact can be observed from high level commercial firms all the way down to individuals and small charity organisations.
Pro-Bono in Large Organisations
Typically, leading law firms tend to encourage pro bono work, with most aiming for each lawyer to provide 50 hours of pro bono service per year. Many of the larger commercial firms carry out pro bono work in several different ways to ensure positive corporate social responsibility. In fact, often firms find that lawyers and other employees are more drawn to firms that engage in pro bono work than those which lack engagement. This may be because encouraging pro bono demonstrates that a workplace has more interest in ethical practice and community engagement.
Pro bono initiatives from top commercial firms can be found close to home, with several leading firms holding offices in Glasgow. Burness Paull, a leading Scottish firm, has recently assisted its pro bono partners in ‘The Lifescape Project’ which provides a resource centre for land owners who require guidance on rewilding principles. Last year, Pinsent Mason employees from both Glasgow and Edinburgh supported ‘The Social Innovation Partnership’ where they advised on employment contracts for the small charity, as well as engaging in the ‘Kids in Need of Defence (KIND UK)’ programme, providing free legal support to undocumented children. Additionally, the Scottish CMS team continue to support the Marie Curie charity by providing them with pro bono legal advice and have a similar collaboration with Inspiring Scotland, which aims to tackle some of the key social problems Scotland faces, such as poverty.
One of the leading success stories of pro bono is The Chancery Lane Project where lawyers from various firms come together to create a “Climate Contract Playbook”, to ensure companies reach climate goals. The legal professionals involved described it as working pro bono when the client was “the world”. The project continues with lawyers from several firms, including those with presence in Glasgow and the central belt, such as Addleshaw Goddard, Anderson Strathern, Burness Paull and Dentons, amongst others. Solicitors volunteered their time by rewriting contracts and laws to encourage businesses and communities to fight the climate crisis.
Another way in which firms show their support of pro bono is through participation in the Scottish Legal Walks, set up by the Access to Justice Foundation, and which now take place in five Scottish cities. The Foundation fundraises for several Scottish advice charities, helping to fund pro bono work through sponsored walks, as well as other events throughout the year. Representatives from Strathclyde Law Clinic have participated and fundraised for the Scottish Legal Walk in years past, and they have provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with other pro bono-minded organisations. When asked about the Legal Walks, The Law Society of Scotland’s President Susan Murray said:
“While pro bono legal services can never replace a properly funded legal aid system, many Scottish solicitors offer advice and representation at no cost to people who would otherwise not be able to access the legal support they need”.
The Faculty of Advocates also provides a Free Legal Services Unit (FLSU) for those in need of assistance in court cases or hearings, based in Scotland, but are not otherwise in receipt of legal aid. Most of this service is provided virtually, allowing access from all over Scotland.
Pro-Bono in Our Communities
On a more relatable level for many of our advisors, pro bono work is just as tangible in smaller communities. Living and working in and around Glasgow, it should come as no surprise that access to justice is a relevant struggle, particularly with annual cuts to the legal aid budget. It is for this reasons that pro bono work is so essential, resulting in many more individuals relying on organisations such as Citizens Advice, Victim Support, Just Right and of course, University Law Clinics
“Independent research shows the work of the Scottish Citizens Advice Service contributes more than £166 million to the common good in Scotland.”
Outwith the Law Clinic, I volunteer at my local Citizens Advice Bureau in a small town outside of Glasgow. This has made most apparent the lack of education available surrounding individuals’ rights, particularly in lower income areas. In my work as a CAB Advisor, I regularly assist clients in areas such as benefit entitlement, immigration questions, basic debt advice, employment queries and consumer issues. Often, the issues our clients face could require legal help which is simply unaffordable for clients of the area, leading them to the door of CAB. Other times, outlining rights can be enough. For example, outlining relevant consumer rights provided by the Consumer Rights Act can sometimes be enough to empower a client to contest a seemingly large, powerful business with the confidence in their new knowledge of their rights as a consumer.
In 2022, the bureau I volunteer with celebrated its 80th anniversary. In this time, the bureau has “improved clients’ financial position by £57 million, rescheduled £88 million of unaffordable debt and dealt with nearly 1 million enquiries during these times”. A huge achievement for a charity organisation and a true testament to the power of pro bono work even in the small communities, who often need it most.
I think university law clinics are arguably the most obvious example of the power of pro bono, both for clients and students alike. In Glasgow, we have no fewer than three university law clinics providing distinctive but essential services to our community. Glasgow University’s Emma Ritch clinic is a unique pro bono initiative which provides dignified, free legal advice to complainers of sexual assault, an unfortunately common unmet need in the Glasgow area. GCU Law Clinic has experienced huge growth in the past ten years of existence, now including advocacy opportunities and assisting with the Street Law initiative, as well as legal administration work for people in the Greater Glasgow area. At Strathclyde Law Clinic, our various projects such as Initial Advice Clinic and Online Cases allow the clinic to respond to even more client enquiries, in addition to our main casework primarily within employment, housing, consumer and immigration. In our advice and representation cases, we have saved or won over £2 million for our clients since inception. The sheer number of clients assisted by and the sizeable impact of these law clinics is remarkable.
In my experience in the clinic at Strathclyde, I have learned how to treat clients with dignity and respect while developing important skills for a future legal career. The most important factor for me is the people we advise, who may often lack resources to find legal support but are no less worthy of advice or representation. In my opinion, allowing the idea that those with more financial resources gaining an edge in justice is a failing of the system itself. In combatting this, the clinic has taught me the power of pro bono by seeing the difference we can make to clients who otherwise would have been alone in their legal struggle. My experiences at the clinic have embedded pro bono work as a fundamental value that I will take with me throughout my career, with the learned knowledge that we are all capable of playing a small part in the wider pro bono machine that makes the law more accessible for individuals and communities in Glasgow and beyond.
This summer we were lucky to be able to employ nine summer students part-time to enable us to run our services over the summer break. During these months, our summer students took on case work, which for many included representation at courts and tribunals, and helped keep our project work going. In particular, our Environmental Justice Project flourished through the research work of our summer students, including Dylan Wright, who is our newly appointed EJP coordinator. This has allowed us to grow our work in this area, as well as our relationships with partner organisations and individuals. Furthermore, one of our summer students, Heather Dickson, took the role of this years’ Scottish Womens’ Rights Centre itern. You can hear about her summer in this exciting role via the following link: https://www.lawclinic.org.uk/updates/scottish-womens-rights-centre-internship
This year, the summer students were:
Ava Ferguson
Corey Beaton
Dylan Wright
Gordon Gow
Hannah Stewart
Heather Dickson
Jessica Jayan
Lauren Weetman
Saeed Azodazad
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Alumni Fund for supporting us in helping to finance two of these very necessary roles, as well as all of our incredible summer students for their hard work and dedication.
“Spending the summer at the clinic has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’ve been blessed to be part of such a welcoming and friendly workplace environment, where I eagerly looked forward to my days at the office. The flexible hours, along with the unlimited tea, coffee, and snacks, made the experience even more enjoyable. The supervisors were incredibly supportive and approachable, always ready to offer guidance and share their expertise. I was also fortunate to be allocated to a wide variety of cases, each offering a unique learning opportunity. One of the highlights was having the opportunity to represent my first SSSC hearing alongside my best friend, a responsibility we stepped into at the last minute—an experience that wouldn’t have been possible if I weren’t a summer student. If I’m lucky enough, I hope to have the privilege of returning to the clinic next year to continue this incredible journey.”
Jessica Jayan, Training Co-ordinator and Summer Student
Retirement of our Clinical Director
We sadly said goodbye to our Clinical Director, Kathleen Laverty, this summer as she embarks on her retirement. We celebrated by hosting an event which was exceptionally well attended and included family, student advisors and colleagues past and present, as well as fellow practitioners from across the country. It was an evening worthy of Kate’s career.
If you would like to hear Kate’s thoughts on retirement you can do so here: https://www.lawclinic.org.uk/updates/farewell-from-our-clinic-director
We hope you will join us in wishing Kate all the best for her retirement!
The clinic continues to operate as normal under the leadership of our staff: Legal Supervisors, Gillian Melville and Kathleen Bolt, CLLB Director, Rhonda Wheate and Administrator, Diane Inglis.
Events
REACH Advocacy Training
Over the summer, we hosted a training session on a human-rights based approach towards representation by Reach Advocacy who carried out a training session on a human-rights based approach towards representation. The session was coordinated by our training team, and was attended by a number of our student advisors. You can read more about the session from Corey:
It was a pleasure to attend Wednesday’s training session, delivered by REACH Advocacy, on taking a human rights-based approach to advocacy. As a law clinic which provides legal support in areas which relate either exclusively or tangentially to the fundamental, basic rights which we are all afforded by virtue of our humanity, the importance of this kind of approach to advocacy was deeply appreciated by all in attendance. We look forward to incorporating this into our practice going forward and strengthening our relationship with REACH Advocacy to deliver a high-quality, human rights-based service for our clients.
Corey Beaton, Student Director
Visit from Lord Reed
On 24 June 2024, we had the great honour of welcoming Lord Reed, the current President of the UK Supreme Court, to the University of Strathclyde Law Clinic.
We are indebted to Lord Reed for giving his time to our organisation, and for his invaluable contributions in discussion of access to justice, and the services we provide at the clinic.
European Network for Clinical Legal Education Conference
We are passionately committed to providing a Clinical Legal Education for our student advisors. Our students gain invaluable knowledge and experience through directly delivering legal services to our clients, whether as part of their Clinical LLB, or the standard LLB degree.
To help us achieve this, we are involved in the European Network of Clinical Legal Education. Our involvement in this network gives us the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences with other academics, lawyers, and legal advice organisations from across Europe. This helps us not only to continuously improve the standard of our teaching and learning practices, but also the legal services provided to our clients.
This year Gillian, one of our legal supervisors attended the ENCLE annual conference and delivered a session on working with: “Students as Partners”. Her talk explored the impact of breaking down power dynamics to create a ‘partnership’ approach between teachers and students in Clinical Legal Education. If you are interested in hearing more, the abstract for Gillian’s session is below:
Students as Partners (SaP) is a growing theory of learning and education that is gaining traction with many teachers and students in higher education. At its heart is the idea that students are not merely passive consumers to whom it is the teacher’s job to impart knowledge, but rather agents of their own learning.Some studies have shown that students, when working as partners with educators, can co-create ideas and knowledge that can be applied not only to enhance their own education, but to improve current teaching/learning methods overall. Similarly, Clinical Legal Education is a progressive educational ideology and pedagogy that engages students beyond the traditional didactic teaching models, and encourages them to apply knowledge to real life situations. At Strathclyde Law Clinic, students work together on real cases in pairs, and work closely with their supervisor. This tends to result in students and staff becoming more like colleagues than teacher and student. However, despite the personal and professional benefits, there remain barriers to participation. These can be practical barriers but also emotional barriers.The concept of partnership reshapes what has been traditionally an unequal relationship between staff and students. Bovill, Cook-Sather and Felten have defined true student-faculty partnership as a “reciprocal process whereby all participants have the opportunity to contribute equally, although not necessarily in the same ways, to the learning process” (2014).This lightening talk will share some of the findings from a literature review, and will discuss power dynamics as a barrier to participation for both staff and students, and explore the potential overlap between barriers to participation in SaP with those in Clinical Legal Education
Strategy Day
In September, the law clinic’s Executive Committee got together for a Strategy Day. One of our Student Directors, Corey Beaton, provides summary of the day below:
It was a pleasure to facilitate the Law Clinic’s strategy day – its first in two years – to plan ahead for the next three years of our measured growth and sustainability of what we currently provide.
The energy and engagement from those who participated are testament to the passion and drive that we as a committee have for continuing to ensure that our capacity continues to meet with the demand for our services whilst also ensuring that we continue to develop and enhance the high-quality services that we offer to all of our clients.
These outcomes could not have been reached without our collective purpose, vision, and mission being so deeply embedded into the culture of our Clinic and embodied by all of its members in all that they do to improve access to justice for those we support. The Student Director team looks forward to presenting the outcomes of the strategy day to the Executive Committee for approval in the coming weeks.
Student Advisor Academic Successes
From internships and training contracts to marathon training and travelling, our student advisors have been busy over the summer months! That commitment to success is no better showcased that by the Law School awards Incredibly, our Student Advisors have topped every year group in the last academic year. Congratulations to all our student advisors for their hard work and exemplary academic achievements!
Allana Williams – Top of CLLB (Year 1) and top of Year 1 overall.
Lauren Weetman – Top of CLLB (Year 2)
Callum Butterworth – Top of CLLB (Year 2 Graduate Entry) and top of Year 2 overall.
Afton Cook – Top of CLLB (Year 3)
Katy Li – Top of CLLB (Graduate Entrant Year 3) and top of Year 3 overall.
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!
In June, Strathclyde Law Clinic had the honour of hosting The Right Honourable Lord Reed, President of the UK Supreme Court, during his visit to the University of Strathclyde. This visit, preceding his receipt of an honorary degree at the 2023/2024 Law Graduation, was extremely insightful and inspiring for our students, allowing us to engage in highly interesting discussions around access to justice.
The Rt Hon Lord Reed is the current president of the UK Supreme Court, taking up his position in 2020. He was appointed as a justice to the Supreme Court in 2012. Lord Reed is the first Scottish president of the UK Supreme Court. He attended the University of Edinburgh, achieving a first in his LLB, one of only four students to do so. From there he progressed to studying a DPhil at Balliol College, Oxford on “Legal Control of Government to Assistance to Industry”. He returned to Edinburgh to prepare for admission to the faculty of advocates, doing so in 1983. He was appointed Queens Counsel in 1995 and a judge of the Court of Session and High Court three years later. He has also served as an ad hoc judge at the European Court of Human Rights, as a representative for the UK, and a non-permanent judge to the Court of Final Appeal of Hong Kong.
Lord Reed is known for his commitment to engaging with law students across the UK, delivering lectures and emphasizing the importance of access to justice. He has visited fellow universities with law clinics such as London South Bank, Kent, Aberdeen, King’s College, and Liverpool.
At Strathclyde, Lord Reed was welcomed by Professor Paterson, a member of our board of directors, Stuart Kelly, the deputy head of the law school and a Law Clinic alumnus, and our student directors, Corey Beaton and Gordon Gow. Despite the heat in the Graham Hills Building, the event was made comfortable with the help of fans, setting the stage for a productive and insightful session.
The presentation commenced with a discussion of Strathclyde Law Clinic’s journey since its inception in 2003. Now established as Scotland’s largest law clinic, we are one of the few to provide representation. The presentation covered our main functions, collaborations, and advice streams, including advice and assistance cases, initial advice clinics, the online project, and the asylum project. Highlighting our impact, we celebrated surpassing the £2 million mark in client savings last year, a milestone achieved through the dedication of our student advisors. A notable case discussed was the landmark Long COVID decision, where our client, a 71-year-old caretaker dismissed due to the debilitating after-effects of COVID-19, successfully brought claims for unfair dismissal and disability discrimination before the Employment Tribunal.
Following the presentation, Lord Reed engaged in a stimulating discussion with the students about the nature of our work. Strathclyde Law Clinic aims to enhance the holistic approach of legal education, aligning with Strathclyde’s ethos as “a place of useful learning.” Clinical LLB students shared how clinical modules have enriched their education and practical experience, led by Jess, who emphasized the benefits of this hands-on approach.
The visit concluded with encouraging words from Lord Reed, who urged students not to spend all their time in the library but to engage actively in practical learning experiences. His visit was a memorable and inspiring event for everyone at Strathclyde Law Clinic, reinforcing the vital role of clinical legal education in shaping future legal professionals.
“It’s been a real pleasure to meet you all, I’m full of admiration for what you are doing.”
– Lord Robert Reed, President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom
Strathclyde Law Clinic team pictured with Lord Reed. From left to right; Kathleen Laverty (Law Clinic Director), Gordon Gow (Student Director), Abby McKay (EDI Officer), Corey Beaton (Student Director), Lord Robert Reed, Allana Williams (Depute Comms Officer), Callum Butterworth (Training Team), Jessica Jayan (Training Team), Emma Campbell (Depute Comms Officer), Professor Alan Paterson, Ava Ferguson (Firm Coordinator), Kathleen Bolt (Law Clinic Supervisor).
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