by Heather Dickson

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!