The Law Clinic module (LW32046)
Gain hands-on legal experience by working on real client cases under close supervision. Combine client interviews, legal research, advice drafting and professional skills in a law firm setting
This module gives you the opportunity to put legal theory into practice through both simulated and real client casework under close supervision. You'll work within a student law firm alongside your peers, taking on tasks that reflect those of a practising lawyer.
Your work in the Clinic will include client interviewing, carrying out and documenting legal research, drafting letters of advice, and managing case files using a dedicated case management system. You'll also take part in group and plenary discussion sessions and hear from visiting speakers.
Alongside building substantive legal knowledge, you'll develop professional skills in communication, client care, ethical conduct, and reflection. A short multiple-choice test on Clinic procedures must be passed before you can work with live clients.
What you will learn
In this module, you will:
- Apply your legal knowledge in both simulated and real client casework under supervision
- Carry out and document legal research in response to real presenting scenarios
- Draft legal advice, including letters of advice to clients
- Work effectively within a small student law firm
- Reflect on your own development and the skills and values lawyers need
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate clear understanding of the legal principles involved in at least one aspect of substantive law encountered during the module
- Identify the merits or shortcomings of a relevant area of law, procedure, or regulatory provision
- Critically assess the practical application of the skills and values that lawyers need
- Comply with applicable standards of professional conduct and client-care requirements
Assignments / assessments
Advice letter (60%)
- Written advice to a client based on a given scenario
- Justified by appropriately documented legal research
Oral exam (30%)
- A viva based on your understanding of the skills and values lawyers need
Group mark (10%)
- Based on the work of your student law firm as a whole
- Assessed against professional practice requirements for case file handling
Multiple-choice test (Pass/Fail)
- A test on Clinic procedures
- Must be passed before you can work with live clients
Teaching methods / timetable
- Intensive induction session
- Supervised casework within a student law firm
- Group and plenary discussion sessions
- Visiting speakers
You'll use a dedicated case management system (Clio) and work in dedicated clinic rooms to preserve client confidentiality.
Courses
This module is available on the following courses: