Law clinic
In October 2005, the University of Hertfordshire established our Law Clinic at the School of Law in St Albans, offering a free legal service run by law students under the supervision of experienced solicitors, to anyone with a legal problem. The Clinic also offers ‘Streetlaw’ workshops and presentations on various legal issues.
It provides a unique opportunity for students to put into practice what is learned in the classroom and to analyse real problems and find real answers for real people. It helps to develop their personal and professional skills as a lawyer: interviewing, advising, letter writing, legal research, team work. But, perhaps more importantly, it is about students using their skills to help others and make a real difference to peoples’ lives.
Legal Advice
The Law Clinic offers a free service on an ‘appointment only’ basis, to anyone who is in need of legal advice or assistance. Advice extends to:
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This might include research into general or specific areas of law and procedure as well as letters of advice, where appropriate. If it is not possible to offer advice or assistance, then clients will be advised as to what further action may be taken, including referral to other suitable agencies.
Studying a law degree can help you to understand the rules and logic behind the law, however nothing can compare to putting it into practice. I initially decided that I wanted to become a solicitor when I did a weeks placement with a local solicitors practice. Since then my involvement within the Law Clinic has given me the opportunity to gain a wide variety of skills, not just a law degree. Work within the Clinic ranges from interviewing and advising general members of the public on a wide range of issues, including family, employment, and consumer law and even assisting a client in preparing to go the High Court. It's a great chance to put what I've learnt into practice and apply it to real life situations.
William ShawLLB Graduate, LPC Student
'Streetlaw' Projects
In addition to offering advice and assistance to clients, the Law Clinic also runs a variety of ‘Streetlaw’ projects, where students work in groups, again under supervision, to deliver interactive presentations or workshops on a wide range of legal issues. The aim is to encourage legal literacy and help the participants become more aware of their rights and responsibilities. These may include matters relating to employment, stop and search, youth justice, citizenship. Streetlaw projects undertaken so far include:
- Workshops with local secondary schools tying in with the National Curriculum Key Stage 3, ‘Citizenship’ programme. Issues covered included consumer rights, criminal justice system and youth justice.
- Another recent project involved Law Clinic students delivering workshops to the local Women’s Refuge on issues relating to Court procedure, Domestic Violence, Divorce (including Property and Finance) Children and Immigration.
The Schedule for future Streetlaw projects will be posted onto the website once confirmed. To organise Streetlaw events for your school or organistaion, please contact Sharon Farquhar email S.Farquhar@herts.ac.uk or by tel 0170728 6264
For more information about the Law Clinic, please download the leaflet below: