When were you in the clinic?

2014 – 2018 and 2019 – 2020

What are you doing now?

I’m currently a Trainee Solicitor due to qualify this October.

Favourite memory of the clinic?

It’s difficult to pick one but 2017/2018 was a memorable year in the clinic. It was during my honours year that I held the role of joint co-ordinator of the Initial Advice Clinics (IACs). I also participated in the University of Miami/Strathclyde Law Clinic summer exchange programme that year. Of course, getting to visit Miami was excellent but the exchange programme was a great way to meet and work with likeminded people in another jurisdiction. It was an eye-opening experience to gain another perspective of other law clinics outside of Scotland to help promote access to justice.

Since there’s too many favourite memories at the clinic, I also have to mention the IACs which are drop-in clinics for the public to receive free initial legal advice. It coincides with the other brilliant work that the clinic does and is ran by volunteer students and volunteer solicitors/trainee solicitors. As a student, I had the privilege of managing the sessions in 2017/2018 – some evenings could range from seeing a few clients to 20+ but the team of volunteers who dedicated their time and efforts to assist clients made it so rewarding.

I’m happy that I still keep in touch with the friends I made in the clinic, as well as some of the legal professionals who volunteered. During the start of my traineeship, I had a “full circle” moment where I volunteered as a Trainee Solicitor as opposed to a student volunteer at the IACs. For me, the clinic cultivates a real sense of community, and it provided many valuable (and fun!) learning opportunities.

Most nerve-wracking moment?

Aside from being allocated my first ever case at the clinic, my most nerve-wracking moment outside of client work was when Kate (current Director) asked Kirstie (my fellow IAC coordinator who later held Student Director to speak in front of new students during their induction week about the clinic. It not only felt like a big responsibility to represent the clinic but also to encourage students to apply for the new intake. Public speaking in front of a few hundred people isn’t something that I’d naturally jump for joy at – I pictured lots of tumbleweed and positive thoughts such as “what if nobody applies after our talk…?”.

However, it was an honour to be asked and I was happy to share my experiences. The work that the clinic does wouldn’t be possible without the students and supervisors which hopefully inspired the new intake. I’m glad to say that we had a record number of applications that year!

Best takeaway from the clinic?

The clinic provides such a unique experience being able to gain practical experience while studying. I believe it helped my studies and future work prospects, but I also apply what I learned during the clinic in my current role as a Trainee Solicitor.

For many clients at the clinic, their issues can be very personal to them and, in some cases, particularly if it involves their jobs or homes. As such, it was important to keep the client informed throughout the case and explain legal concepts in a digestible manner. However, throughout my time in the clinic, I also learned that clients also valued being listened to. Not only was this applicable as a Student Advisor but in my current role, it is important to build client rapport and provide high levels of client care in order to seek the best outcome for clients.

Message to clinic on 20^th birthday?

Happy 20^th Birthday! It’s amazing to see the clinic go from strength to strength continuing to promote access to justice after 20 years. Although I’m no longer a student, I know that I’ll always be welcome in the clinic either as a volunteer at the IACs or as part of the alumni. Whilst there is still a lot of work to be done to continue to improve access to justice in the legal sphere, I will always be rooting for the clinic and am grateful to have played a small part in it. Well done to the students, supervisors, and volunteer solicitors (past and present) who have contributed and made a difference. I look forward to seeing some of you in September for the clinic’s 20^th anniversary!

We are hosting an event on campus to celebrate our 20th Anniversary on the 21st September 2023. This will provide an opportunity for past and present advisors and friends of the clinic to come together and discuss the issues facing access to justice in our main practice areas: employment, regulation of social service workers and immigration. You can sign-up via the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/strathclyde-law-clinic-20-year-anniversary-improving-access-to-justice-tickets-660477244217?aff=oddtdtcreator

My history with the Law Clinic

I have been a part of the Law Clinic from inception, in the days when the Law School occupied the basement of the now-demolished Stenhouse building. When I initially joined, it was a completely novel idea back in 2003, when no one really knew what a Law Clinic was, or what we would do. Nonetheless, as fresh law students, we all bought into Professor Donald Nicholson’s vision to help bridge the gap in legal services for the population of Glasgow.

During my time in the Law Clinic, I met a host of characters who helped shape me as a practitioner to this day, including Anabel Fowles and Kate Laverty, the lynchpins upon whose hard work and dedication the Law Clinic went from strength to strength. We were also fortunate to have outstanding practical advocacy training from Charles Hennessy and inspiring lectures on street law from Professor David McQuoid-Mason. Being a part of the Law Clinic really helped me find a purpose, having drifted into law school pretty much because my grades allowed me to.

I took the opportunity to become more immersed in the Clinic, sitting in the executive committee as external relations officer, a firm manager and as a paid summer student.

These days

Nowadays I practice in employment law, something which I got my first taste of in the Clinic. I work for a national firm and deal with all areas of this sector, from advising on a day-to-day basis to contentious litigation. Since completing the diploma in legal practice, I’ve made sure to stay involved with the Clinic. I do this by supporting Clinic students with work-experience opportunities shadowing me, and volunteering at the evening drop-in advice clinics for clients who need urgent assistance on employment matters.

Being a part of these initial advice clinics is one of the things I am most proud of in my career, and it helps keep me grounded. I don’t come from a particularly affluent background; my parents always brought me up to ensure I help those less fortunate than myself and I find myself lucky to be able to do this by assisting the Law Clinic and its clients. Being able to advise the Law Clinic on rolling out online appointments for those in need during the pandemic is something I have put on my CV as it is something I am always happy to share.

Many of my ex-colleagues were also members of the Clinic, it seemed as though my firm naturally found Clinic alumni to be well-rounded traineeship candidates. To leave a legacy of this behind is something I am delighted with. Working on the initial advice clinics with other colleagues is also enjoyable and I take pride in seeing their enthusiasm for helping the Clinic’s clients.

I was in a Hearing in Leeds Employment Tribunal recently and when I mentioned the support the Law Clinic can offer remotely, the Judge informed me he was aware of the Clinic and its services. This gave me a huge sense of satisfaction.

Favourite memory

The highlight of my time in the Law Clinic is without a doubt working as a summer student when the University was on break. Just because classes were finished, it did not mean that cases also came to a stop. Each summer the Clinic employs students to carry on the case work. Having the opportunity to work as a summer student with others was an incredible experience. It felt like we were working in our own little law firm, coming in for a day’s work, progressing our cases, meeting clients, attending hearings and seeking advice from supervisors. Working together with the other students has built lifetime friendships and connections. It also helped put into practice what was in the textbooks.

Valuable lessons

For me, I took away so much from my time as a student adviser (and still do as a volunteer solicitor). Perhaps the most important lesson was to focus in on trying to understand what a client’s desired outcome was and then to try and find a way to get to this. It wasn’t always about writing a formal letter and drafting pleadings, sometimes a telephone call to the other side, helping to explain our client’s position could allow for resolution. It was definitely intimidating liaising with practicing solicitors, I was mindful that I didn’t want to come across as daft or ignorant, but the support of the supervisors ensured everything was quality-checked before I was let loose on the members of the profession. Being able to help real people with real problems also engrained my desire to use my skills to support people wherever I could.

Being Clinic alumni has also helped in private practice. I routinely refer and have had work referred to me from friends who I met in the Law Clinic. We have remained friends and supported each other in our careers.

The need for the Clinic

Law Clinics in general offer a vital service which is unfortunately needed now more than ever. Students may not often appreciate just how important the work they do for clients is. I’ve seen the clinic be used as a CV builder over the years. It should be much more than that. If that’s all you use it for, then you’re missing out on one of the most rewarding aspects of being a student at the Strathclyde Law School. And if you’re going for a training contract or a job and you have Clinic alumni interviewing you, I can guarantee we will want to know about what you’ve done in the Clinic in some detail…What students do for clients can be truly life changing. It can be thankless, there can be agitation on the part of clients, things can progress slowly, but it genuinely enriches peoples’ lives to have someone who listens to them and is seen to fight for them when they feel they have no other recourse.

Takeaway

It gives me real encouragement to see crop after crop of dedicated students signing up to be part of the Law Clinic and to enhance their own reputations and that of the Law Clinic. From first-hand experience, the Law Clinic is now well-known amongst the judiciary in Scotland, as well as in England as a provider of quality representation. Litigants in person at the Employment Tribunal are often told to seek an appointment with the Law Clinic these days. That is a testament to students and staff, past and present. Going forward, I hope to remain as involved as I have been over the last number of years. Towards the end of the year, for example, I plan on taking volunteering leave from work to run an Employment Tribunal advocacy session for students, along with other Clinic alumni.

I secured my traineeship with the firm against which I was able to settle a case, for the highest ever award in the Law Clinic at the time and I was interviewed by the Solicitor I was against. Going forward, I look forward to seeking many other clinicians enter the legal profession and remember their roots.

We are hosting an event on campus to celebrate our 20th Anniversary on the 21st September 2023. This will provide an opportunity for past and present advisors and friends of the clinic to come together and discuss the issues facing access to justice in our main practice areas: employment, regulation of social service workers and immigration. You can sign-up via the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/strathclyde-law-clinic-20-year-anniversary-improving-access-to-justice-tickets-660477244217?aff=oddtdtcreator

Alasdair Flett is a recent graduate of the University of Strathclyde, having been part of the clinic throughout his studies. Alasdair was heavily involved with our Initial Advice Clinics during his time in the clinic, and was our IAC Coordinator for the year 2022/23, as well as a committed Student Advisor. 

 

When were you in the Clinic?

September 2020 to June 2023.

What are you doing now?

I work as a paralegal for Digby Brown, personal injury lawyers, and will start a traineeship with them come September.

What are some of your favourite Clinic memories?

Working on cases was great, especially when we were able to achieve results for clients and win them money, but I think my favourite Clinic experience was being Initial Advice Clinic coordinator during my diploma year. I wouldn’t recommend taking on that pressure when that course is already so intense but I thrived on the organised chaos of it. It was an adventure trying to navigate from the wholly online format to our current hybrid model.

The best thing about it though was the feeling of becoming part of the Glasgow legal community by getting to know so many solicitors from different firms. Because of the Clinic I was able to build a genuine network and get invaluable and honest advice from people working in diverse areas of the profession. I think that as a student it can be difficult to think about the long view; it’s much easier to focus/fixate on securing a traineeship. When you get to know people from different stages of their career it helps you to put things in perspective.

What was the most nerve-wracking moment of your Clinic career?

The most nerve-wracking moment in my Clinic career was probably when I had to stand in last minute for a co-advisor in Sheriff Court Simple Procedure as a lay representative. I was only in my second year of law and had only just started my property law module. I think I dissected the problem fairly neatly by referring to an oral agreement between neighbours to pay a debt, a vote of the majority to conduct repairs, an analysis of the title deed and an overview of the common law of common property and works of necessity. What I failed to do was discuss where the deed falls silent and the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004’s Tenement Management Scheme. That was where the whole edifice collapsed in on itself as we were not able to show on the balance of probabilities that the meeting between proprietors had taken place with 48 hours notice.

Frustratingly only a couple of weeks post-hearing we had the lecture on this very point. Ignorance of the law is no defence and it was frustrating to be judged on statute I hadn’t even raised but it did demonstrate the increasingly inquisitorial approach at the lower levels of the justice system. It showed that if there was no preferable coherent version of events that a judge may not grant the win to one party but simply say the bringer of the claim has not done enough to establish their case. Had we been wise to the importance of the TMS it might have been that we would have been unable to find enough evidence of a 48-hour notice period, but it is annoying to think that we didn’t actively seek it out.

Do you have any thoughts on access to justice and the Law Clinic in general?

Official recognition for the Strathclyde Law Clinic is great but when you see the courts (Simple Procedure) and tribunals (Employment) themselves actively encouraging people to seek us out I think that’s more of an indication that there is a systemic gap in legal provision for the less well-off in Scotland. It’s fantastic to be valued and endorsed by the establishment but at the same time, in an ideal world, we shouldn’t really be relied on by the system in the way that we are.

Do you have a message for the Law Clinic’s 20^th anniversary?

What the Law Clinic has is unique and impactful. Let’s hope in the future it is less unique and even more impactful. I’d like to see the Clinic get more involved in policy development and the Scottish Parliament. I believe that the Clinic has an important perspective to offer that goes beyond the interests of lawyers as a professional class. It has an overview of the system and an understanding of that system while also remaining apart and critical of it from the point of view of those it leaves behind, intentionally or unwittingly.

 

We are hosting an event on campus to celebrate our 20th Anniversary on the 21st September 2023. This will provide an opportunity for past and present advisors and friends of the clinic to come together and discuss the issues facing access to justice in our main practice areas: employment, regulation of social service workers and immigration. You can sign-up via the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/strathclyde-law-clinic-20-year-anniversary-improving-access-to-justice-tickets-660477244217?aff=oddtdtcreator

When were you in the clinic?

2005 to 2009

What are you doing now?

Following a decade practising as a solicitor, both in private practice and in-house, I re-joined the university a few years ago as a lecturer in law. Whilst I really enjoyed my time in practice, the opportunity to work within the Law School and help make a positive contribution to the student experience was really attractive to me. Part of my job involves directing the Diploma in Professional Practice, so my professional experience works well in that role which links students directly with their professional responsibilities.

What was your favourite memory of the clinic?

I have so many fond memories of being in the Clinic. Working closely with other students, whether on cases or in the management of the Clinic, led to lasting friendships that remain to this day. Each client success was a positive experience, and the sense of satisfaction of doing right for a client persisted in my time in legal practice. However, if I had to pick one particular memory, it was the day that Effie Shaw received her honorary doctorate from the university. Effie was an incredible woman, who worked tirelessly for people in her capacity as a senior adviser at Glasgow Central CAB. I am sure that Effie would not have minded me saying that she volunteered well into her later years, reminding us all that age is but a number. She was an incredible role model about the importance of service of others. Effie’s honorary doctorate was nominated by students, led by Aidan West. Effie was thrilled to get that recognition and I know how much the day meant to her and her family. Some of us got to be there and it was just brilliant and heart-warming and special. Effie has since passed on but it is right that the Law Clinic continues to recognise her impact on so many of us (and the city of Glasgow more generally) in having an award in her honour.

What was your most nerve-wracking moment in the clinic?

Undoubtedly this would be my first “proof” in the then Small Claims court. The hearing lasted all afternoon, and the sheriff was not afraid to intervene and hold me to the standard of a solicitor. It was a difficult day and at the time I did not enjoy it. It was a reminder that representation of clients is not, nor should it be, easy. It was a rewarding day too, as the hearing ultimately ended in a positive outcome for our client. I have since spoken to the sheriff about the experience, and whilst we had a laugh about it, he rightly makes no apology that judges should uphold standards in the court. That puts the pressure on students to ensure they are prepared and able to make effective representations. I am always so proud to hear of students representing client in courts and tribunals, as I know first-hand the amount of work and bravery that requires.

What was the most valuable thing you learned from being in the clinic?

The importance of client care and the importance of treating each client with respect and dignity. Whilst in legal careers we will have many cases, and some may have many hundreds ongoing at the same time, our clients often only have one legal case, and it matters so much to them. I think it is really important to remember that when dealing with clients. Whilst in practice I always sought to ensure my clients were regularly updated of their case and took the time as often as I could to check in on them by email or call just to ensure they were ok and understood what was going on. It might seem small to you but can take so much pressure off clients and help them deal with what is often a traumatic time.

Any thoughts on access to justice or the need for law clinics in general?

Here me out here, but in an ideal world Law Clinics would not exist. That is no criticism of our Clinic or any other, or the incredible work that goes on – but Clinics are there because otherwise clients would not have access to appropriate legal representation. I am very proud of our Clinic and its ongoing success, but its number of clients and range of issues being dealt with also exposes the constancy of the need for legal representation. So, whilst the successes of the Clinic are to be applauded, it is unfortunate that the reasons for the Clinic’s existence show no sign of abating.

Any special message for Law Clinic’s 20^th birthday?

The Law Clinic is a jewel in the crown of the university. The Clinic and its generations of student advisers, supported by its staff, have contributed so much to improve the lives of many in the west of Scotland. That contribution can be assessed monetarily, but it is bigger than that – the Clinic gives voice to people who don’t have one and gives remedies to those who otherwise go without. There is much to be thankful for.  Strathclyde led the way in being the first Law Clinic in Scotland, and now most other universities have some form of Clinic. We led the way and can be proud of that, but ultimately what matters is keeping up the good work. Clients will keep needing representation and support, so let us renew our focus and get back on with the job.

We are hosting an event on campus to celebrate our 20th Anniversary on the 21st September 2023. This will provide an opportunity for past and present advisors and friends of the clinic to come together and discuss the issues facing access to justice in our main practice areas: employment, regulation of social service workers and immigration. You can sign-up via the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/strathclyde-law-clinic-20-year-anniversary-improving-access-to-justice-tickets-660477244217?aff=oddtdtcreator

Dear Graduates, 

Now that graduations are over, we are aware that we will be saying goodbye to some of our wonderful, dedicated and hard working students who have been members of the Law Clinic. We know that many of our students juggle competing demands on their time (academic commitments, the necessity of paid work, caring responsibilities etc.) so to volunteer to undertake cases in the Law Clinic amidst all that is impressive and inspiring. Cases can be time consuming, stressful and complex, relying on a wide variety of legal and interpersonal skills.  They can also be very rewarding while providing valuable opportunities to learn and develop useful skills.

We would like to say a huge thank you to all of you who are leaving us for all the time and energy you gave to your clients and the Law Clinic – it is very much appreciated. We also wish you the best of luck for the future and hope that your commitment to access to justice remains with you in your future careers.

To those of you returning to Strathclyde to undertake your Diploma in Legal Practice we very much look forward to working with you again in the year ahead!

All the Best,

Kate Laverty

Clinic Director

…

Fiona Rennie

When did you first join the clinic?

I first joined the clinic in 2021 when I started my degree.

What motivates you to work in the clinic?

I am motivated by wanting to help my clients achieve the best possible outcome and for them to feel that they have had their voice heard in a system which can be extremely confusing and inaccessible.  I am also motivated by my co-advisors and supervisors who encourage me to try new things and be brave when taking on certain aspects of client work, for example representation.

What has been the best thing so far about being involved in the clinic?

The people are the best thing about being a part of the clinic – both the clients and the Law Clinic advisors and staff. It has been really rewarding to work with clients from a variety of backgrounds and walks of life. I’ve also really enjoyed getting to know the advisors and the staff at the Clinic, everyone is so friendly and welcoming and I have learnt a lot from them.

What has been your most challenging moment so far?

The most challenging part of the work is when we are not able to represent or assist a client with their case. This can be for a wide variety of reasons and is not a decision which is taken lightly. All the same, it can be difficult explaining this to a client when they feel that the Law Clinic is their last port of call.

What do you hope to get out of the clinic during your time here?

On a professional level, I hope to gain skills and experience which will stand me in good stead and give me confidence for starting my traineeship. On a personal level, I hope to feel that I have been able to help our clients and to make connections with other law students who have similar values to me.

Any special message for the law clinic’s 20th birthday?

The Law Clinic is a really special place and is the main reason why I decided to do my law degree at Strathclyde. I am really grateful for all the opportunities I have been given by being part of the Clinic and I hope it will be celebrating many more birthdays to come!

Rahmah Aslan

When did you first join the clinic?

I joined the University of Strathclyde Law Clinic last year, in September 2022.

What motivates you to work in the clinic?

What motivates me to work in the Law Clinic is the thought of helping clients who normally cannot afford legal representation and also providing access to justice.

What has been the best thing so far about being involved in the clinic?

The best thing in the Law Clinic has been experiencing the practical side of the law by working on cases and helping our clients by providing advice and representation.

What has been your most challenging moment so far?

The most challenging time in the Law Clinic has been trying to balance studying during the exams period and working on cases that have deadlines set by the Tribunal.

What do you hope to get out of the clinic during your time here?

I hope to develop my skills and knowledge in the legal field through the Law Clinic as it gives me the opportunity to work on cases involving a variety of areas of law. For example, immigration, housing and employment.

Any special message for the law clinic’s 20th birthday?

All the best in the upcoming years and looking forward to seeing more success from the Law Clinic!

It is officially 2 months until our 20th Anniversary Celebration on the 21st September 2023! If you missed our announcement of this event, read it here: Clinic Turns 20: Alumni Invitation

By Malcolm Combe

I was an undergraduate law student at Strathclyde from 2001-2005. Whilst I had no idea this would be the case when I enrolled, being a student at this time put me in a fortunate position: I was able to join the first intake of student volunteers at the new-fangled University of Strathclyde Law Clinic.

I confess I had never even heard of a law clinic when Donald Nicolson sought recruits for the initiative he was setting up at Strathclyde. Like many other enthusiastic students though, I took the plunge and got involved. After an initial period as an advisor, I then become Firm Manager of one of the three firms the Clinic was (at the time) divided into. I continued my involvement with pro bono legal advice in various capacities in the years that followed, before eventually returning to Strathclyde Law School as an academic in 2019. That allowed me to rekindle my support of the Law Clinic in a number of ways, and in the past couple of years I have acted as Programme Director of the Clinical LLB: a dedicated programme for students who embed law clinic experiences and insights into a law degree. It seems fitting that I have somehow found my way back to the Law Clinic, and I’m delighted to be able to contribute to this 20th anniversary celebration of it.

One particular memory of the clinic involves Donald and I going to the old BBC studios at Queen Margaret Drive for a radio interview. For which station I cannot recall, and whether this ever made the airwaves I am not sure; I suspect it did not. Somewhere though, there may be an archive tape where I can be heard adopting the word “worthwhile” as my most favourite word ever, and I am only grateful that BBC Sounds wasn’t around to capture this for more public posterity. Anyway, Donald and I tried to speak about why the law clinic was needed, and also how shocking it was that there was such a demand for it given the unmet legal need that was being plugged by students rather than another source of legal advice and support. Maybe we got a bit too political and that is why we were never broadcast. Alas, what we spoke about remains relevant today. I do fundamentally believe in clinical legal education, and it has become part of my practice; whether it should form so much of a societal safety valve is another matter though.

There were plenty of other good memories of my time with the law clinic, particularly in the context of making friends and attending social events. I also have fond memories of making a difference for clients who came in for advice, which leads on to my memory of my most nerve-wracking moment in the clinic…

Prior to 2011, tenancy deposit protection was not a thing in Scots law. Landlords could ask their tenants for a deposit of up to two months’ rent, but what they did with that deposit was not particularly regulated, and in the event of a dispute at the end of the tenancy there was no state-backed scheme available to adjudicate that dispute. Jennifer Wallace and I represented a client who was seeking the return of their deposit, which their landlord was seeking to retain or at least deduct a sum of money from, apparently on the basis of the condition of the let property. We duly trotted to Glasgow Sheriff Court after serving the paperwork in relation to this, only to discover in court that the documents our client had presented to us were not the full story. Cue a massive flap and a hasty oral submission about some point of law that I was absolutely winging. We managed to push matters into a further hearing though, and our client was in the end awarded the full deposit. Incidentally, this case remains my only appearance representing a client in the Scottish court system: I am delighted to note my 100% success rate as a litigator, and the clinic’s contribution to that record.

Being in the Clinic taught me quite a lot, or at least forced me to be more structured in my application of previously abstract ideas. In addition to mundane skills like task management and keeping organised files, the clinic brought notional scenarios to life. Suddenly I was faced with real people with real problems, and I was determined to do my best for them. I hope I did justice to the faith they put in me, and perhaps contributed just a little to the access to justice deficit that existed at the time.

Speaking of which, access to justice issues have not gone away. In fact, they have probably got worse. My message to the current crop of law clinic students is accordingly a simple one – keep striving to make a difference. Also, keep in mind that even if some aspects of your clinic journey might feel a bit hectic or overwhelming when you are in the moment, what you are doing is indeed worthwhile. You are still doing the right thing by putting yourself in those situations. My overwhelming perception of those who have been involved with the clinic is that they look back on their time there with both fondness and an awareness about how it has contributed to their own self-development, not to mention it has allowed lasting friendships to be formed along the way. Here’s to the next twenty years!