The Clinical Learning Degree experience

Posted on by Siobhan Weare

Two hands holding pieces of jigsaw together

Mattie Lefevre

In my second year of study on the Clinical Learning Degree, I was involved in the Lancaster University Asylum and Immigration Clinic, working as a student advisor and getting first-hand experience of the legal profession. I feel that being able to talk to real clients with real problems has been key to my education, not just specifically in Asylum and Immigration Law, but on the ethics of law and the legal profession.

Studying the Clinical Learning Degree means that before even beginning a career in law, I have dealt with a range of complicated and often sensitive cases, and have been able to provide a useful service to the general public. In some instances, I have helped to change the lives of those who have attended the Clinic. I have also worked using technology and online systems, often used by practising solicitors at law firms.

The Law Clinic works alongside the charity RAIS Lancaster, a small voluntary organisation who provide advocacy, information, and support services to refugees and asylum seekers in Lancaster and Morecambe. As well as holding weekly drop-in sessions, RAIS refer any clients to us who need our help with specific legal advice. It was great to get client referrals as it meant that the clinic sessions were always busy and cases would cover a variety of legal issues. We did not study Asylum and Immigration Law before starting second year which meant that we had to adopt a fast-paced learning approach to ensure that we were always meeting the client’s needs. We all quickly became well-versed in the common legal issues brought to us in the clinic and we witnessed first-hand how these complicated areas of law worked.

Many clients brought paperwork with them to the Clinic which meant that we were able to look over and examine official government documents and different application forms. This was very useful as it meant that as the Clinic went on, we became familiar with these documents. Working in the midst of Brexit, many clients came to us with issues surrounding their applications to stay in the UK. As the daughter of an immigrant myself, it was very rewarding working on these types of cases as I was able to relate personally to the clients who were seeking advice.

Being a part of the client’s journey and helping to improve their situation is an experience that I will always be immensely proud of. As a result, I am keen to ensure that I will always work to help those most in need, and to improve the quality of life of the vulnerable throughout my career. Working in the Law Clinic has opened my eyes to the devastating consequences of the very limited access to legal aid in England and Wales, and has encouraged me to try to fill the gap wherever I can. The Law Clinic teaches the value of altruism within the legal profession and has been a vital part of my legal education.

Annabel Stainer

The Clinical Learning Degree has focused and inspired my intended career route. As someone who enjoys debating, I knew a law degree would enable me to expand this skill further, but I was initially unsure that being a solicitor was the career route I wished to follow with my law degree. However, after spending two years in the Law Clinic and working alongside the charity RAIS Lancaster, to provide free Immigration and Asylum legal advice, I found that helping those in need is hugely rewarding. My experiences in the Law Clinic have shown me the considerable impact that legal advice can have, changing someone’s life for the better. Because of this, I now know I want to be a part of, and contribute to a system that ensures all members of society have access to justice.

Studying on the Clinical Learning degree provides so much practical experience, which is invaluable when entering the world of legal practice. Having been given expert training from qualified barristers and solicitors about how to conduct a professional legal interview, I have had the opportunity to interview clients on complex legal issues. As a result, I now find it easier to approach people in order to open up a conversation, and have become a confident public speaker, a better listener, and someone who feels real empathy for those experiencing difficult situations.

When working in the Law Clinic, I first interview my clients regarding their case, before moving on to conduct my own legal research, and finally responding to the client and providing advice by letter. The Clinical Learning degree equips you with key skills on how to draft professional legal letters and reports. Some of the cases we take on in the Law Clinic may centre around areas of law that we have not yet studied, but this has allowed me to broaden my range and depth of legal knowledge beyond what I am currently studying within other modules on my degree.

The world of Law post-degree is competitive. However, the Clinical Learning degree shows potential employers that you have the necessary skills needed to thrive in a law firm, for example professionally interviewing clients on sensitive matters, adhering to the Solicitors’ Code of Conduct regarding confidentiality, and researching the law quickly and efficiently to offer high quality legal advice. Even if becoming a solicitor is not a path you wish to pursue post degree, this degree equips you with many transferrable skills that would be valuable in any career. The Clinical Learning Degree has provided me with valuable experience and inspired me to now pursue a career as a solicitor. It has been a truly fantastic experience.

Blog written by: Mattie Lefevre and Annabel Stainer

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