Case Highlights
Two of our advisors have been dealing with a complicated employment case involving whistleblowing, and are dong a great job drafting and managing the case as it progresses.
Two of our students represented their client in a Preliminary Hearing before the Employment Tribunal in a disability discrimination claim. They prepared well for the hearing and handled the discussion about the issues in the case very well.
A number of students are working on Employment Tribunal and Housing cases with hearings scheduled for March with some of these students juggling pressing academic commitments at this time of year, including dissertation deadlines. Well done to all of them for keeping up with their case work.
Events
Simple Procedure Training with Patrick Campbell Corcoran
This month, one of our alumni, Patrick Campbell Corcoran, visited the Law Clinic to give us all training on simple procedure. Simple procedure is an integral part of the work we do in the Law Clinic
Patrick provided an excellent comprehensive training session, filled with tips and tricks on how to conduct yourself when advocating for clients.
Thank you so much to Patrick for his wonderful training and resources for our student advisors!
Impact and Knowledge Exchange Showcase
As part of an Impact and Knowledge Exchange Showcase event organised by Genevieve Lennon from the Law School, the Law Clinic took part in the poster exhibition and Amy Woodcock, student co-ordinator of the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre spoke about the work of the Centre as well as producing a poster showcasing the Centres work.
Public Legal Education
Saeed Azodazad, Emma Campbell and Harbani Kohli recently delivered a talk on how to deal with issues arising in social housing to Govan Community Project. Following this, we received a call from a member of the public asking if she could attend the next session, and also a request from the group organiser to run the session again for their women’s group later in the year. This is great feedback, so huge well done to them.
It was a great experience to meet the local community and get their ideas about future PLE Sessions. I look forward to delivering more sessions in the future
– Emma Campbell
Pro Bono Skills.com Virtual Event
Advisors attended an online event held by probonoskills.com which featured Staś Kużmierkiewicz from Covington & Burling LLP and Nabil Khabirpour from the Law Corner speaking on ‘Careers and Connections in the Pro Bono Sphere’.
“The event consisted of an insightful discussion between Staś and Nabil about the role Pro Bono work has taken in their professional life. My biggest takeaway from the discussion was learning about the pair’s experience integrating Pro Bono work with their busy lives, and the place that their employers have created for the work they are passionate about. The discussion has really shaped my ambitions, now harbouring a belief that I can continue to work towards access to justice whilst pursuing a career in other areas.”
– Event Attendee
Advisor News
In the spirit of international women’s day, both Alyssa Smart and Heather Dickinson were nominated for awards for their work in the women in leadership network. They have been student advisors since October 2022 as well as working with WILN at Strathclyde. Heather is also one of our volunteers for the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre, helping with the International Women’s Day Event held in March. Congratulations to both Heather and Alyssa!
Other News:
LGBT History Month by Corey Beaton
As I reflect on what I wrote less than a year ago for Pride Month 2023, it is with a heavy heart that I write about the bleaker picture which is presented to us less than twelve months later.
From the Jordanian security forces’ crackdown on LGBT activists in December 2023 to the Russian Supreme Court’s ruling that the “international LGBT movement” is extremist, these actions are not unusual among the 62 other countries whose laws do not recognise nor protect the rights of its LGBTQ+ citizens.
While we recognise the repeal of section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 and the introduction of the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014 as being significant milestones in the journey towards the mainstreaming of LGBT rights in Scotland, we ought to stand in solidarity with those to whom no legal protections are afforded.
The law has consistently been an effective vehicle for change when wielded in a way which is just and equitable. There is no reason why the same should not be done to protect those who do not enjoy the same rights and protections under the law as we all do, irrespective of our sexes, gender identities, or sexual orientations.
To that end, we should all give thanks to the progress and change which the LGBTQ+ movement has campaigned so valiantly and resiliently for in the fifty-one years since London heralded its first Pride march, and we should strive to campaigning alongside it in pursuit of greater protections for some of the most marginalised individuals in society.