We’ve been chatting to some of our advisors past and present to find out about their clinic experiences in the build up to our 20th Anniversary. As a sneak peak, here are the stories of two of our current Student Advisors and Summer Students, Fiona Rennie and Rahmah Aslan.
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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