University law clinics: the potential to impact social justice and improve student experiences in the classroom and beyond

A paper delivered at the School of Law Summer Research Workshop, Theme - 'Legal Education and Pedagogy' Oct 2024. The paper was entitled, 'University Law Clinics - the potential to impact social justice and improve student experiences in the classroom

This paper explores how university law clinics can operate to improve social justice in local communities under the backdrop of the 10th anniversary of Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (‘LAPSO’). The paper also explores how law clinics offer educators an important opportunity to facilitate active learning, and to develop key skills and confidence amongst their students.

The paper will draw from the work in progress of the relaunch of the University of Worcester Law Clinic (‘UWLAC’) in 2024-5. It will consider how law clinics can sit alongside LLB study and invite discussion from colleagues and peers.