As we end our term as Student Directors of the Strathclyde Law Clinic, we reflect on what has been an exceptionally rewarding and inspiring year. It has been our privilege to work in partnership with such a dynamic and driven community of students, staff, and supporters, all of whom have played a part in advancing our mission to improve access to justice.
This year has been marked by some truly memorable milestones. A particular highlight was the visit of The Right Honourable Lord Reed, President of the UK Supreme Court. His visit not only emphasised the national significance of our work but also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of practical legal education. Lord Reed’s engagement with our students – especially his encouragement to embrace learning beyond the library – resonated deeply with our ethos as “a place of useful learning.” His praise and encouragement were invaluable as we continue to empower students to push beyond their comfort zones and become confident advocates for our clients.
Another unforgettable event was our participation in the University of Strathclyde Law School’s 60th Anniversary celebration. To stand alongside leaders of the Scottish legal profession – Lord Hope, Thomas Ross KC, Professor Kenneth Norrie – was to feel the strength of the community we are part of. It was a moment of pride and reflection, particularly as we then helped host Lord Reed for a lecture marking both the Law School’s anniversary and the 15th anniversary of the Supreme Court. Being able to share our work through an information stand and help facilitate discussions at such a high-level event reaffirmed the value and reach of the Clinic’s contribution to legal education.
We are also incredibly proud of the launch of our Environmental Justice Project (EJP). Funded by the Strathclyde Alumni Fund, this initiative allowed us to recruit dedicated student coordinators and begin vital work in collaboration with organisations like the Climate Justice Legal Initiative (C2LI). The project has already delivered valuable research into global climate litigation efforts and laid strong foundations for the future. It has helped us explore new areas of law, cultivate lasting partnerships, and develop skills that will support our student advisers beyond their years at university.
Of course, this year was also marked by bittersweet farewells. We said goodbye to our longstanding Clinic Director, Kathleen Laverty, who retired after nearly 18 years of transformative service. Kate’s legacy is woven into the fabric of the Law Clinic, from its earliest days in a single-room office to its current stature as Scotland’s largest and most active law clinic. Her leadership, warmth, and unwavering dedication have inspired generations of students, and we are grateful to have benefited from her guidance.
Our core work – casework and community outreach – has remained as impactful as ever. We surpassed £2 million in client savings, a testament to the hard work and commitment of our student volunteers and our staff supervisors. Our case successes, such as the landmark ruling on Long COVID disability discrimination, continue to make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. We also strengthened links with the wider legal community through new partnerships, such as our Associate Practice Unit Membership with the Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow. This membership offers students access to an exceptional range of legal resources and CPD opportunities, supporting both their casework and personal development.
Cementing our commitment to our continued growth and development was the development of our 2025-2028 strategic plan. This will serve as a vital tool for the incoming Executive Committees over the next three years against which they can benchmark their progress in working towards widening the access of our Law Clinic to the community, as well as deepening the impact we make in facilitating access to justice for those for whom it would otherwise be unachievable.
As we (Corey and Natalie) now pass the torch to the next Executive Committee and to Student Directors Gordon Gow (remaining) and Hannah Stewart (incoming), we do so with immense gratitude and optimism. We know that the incoming team will continue to build on this and previous years’ successes with the same energy, innovation, and compassion that define the Strathclyde Law Clinic.
To the law clinic staff team, thank you for your guidance and mentorship – and especially patience! – over the past year and beyond. Like every one of our student advisers who have moved on into the legal profession, you have all left each of us better prepared, informed, and resilient for what lies ahead; for that, we will be forever grateful.
To our student advisers, Committee members, and supporters, we couldn’t have done any of this without you. There are no words to describe our gratitude for you all, so as simple as it is, please know that there is so much more beneath it when all we can say is, “thank you”.
– Corey Beaton, Gordon Gow, and Natalie Marshall
Outgoing Student Directors, Strathclyde Law Clinic