The Law School has increased its offering of pro bono legal experience to students by forging a new partnership with the Freedom Law Clinic. Launching today, 8 February 2021, at the start of Student Volunteering Week, the partnership offers real-life practical experience of law to second- and final-year LLB, MA and LLM students, to enhance graduate employability and give back to society at the same time.
The project helps students gain unparalleled access to the world of criminal defence work by actively assisting the clinic’s clients with wrongful conviction applications to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC). Unlike other projects, their client work does not centre around innocence or guilt, but the fundamental right to a fair trial and ensuring that where there is fresh evidence or significant new legal arguments, clients are able to put forward their best possible case.
Zainab Rhyman Saib, one of the first students to secure a place on the project said:
“To me, justice is more than ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, ‘moral’ or ‘immoral’ - it also involves allowing all parties the best opportunity to prove themselves and present the best case they can. The Freedom Law Clinic is a prime example of this being supported in a climate where it matters the most, especially with cuts to legal aid and the socio-economic strain of COVID-19 making those most vulnerable, unable to adequately represent themselves at relevant forms. I am so happy to get the chance to apply what I’ve learnt throughout my studies and work with such a valuable and necessary agency.”
The innovative approach of the Freedom Law Clinic means that they put participants in the driving seat, so whilst all work is carried out under the supervision of an experienced criminal law solicitor, students are encouraged to take initiative - both individually and as a team - to research, develop and test their own ideas, rather than simply being given a list of tasks to complete.
This usually means carrying out independent legal research, examining fresh evidence and then developing the necessary technical knowledge to start contacting experts, putting legal arguments into writing and ultimately drafting requests for advice from counsel.
Khaled Hussain-Dupré, Casework Director at the Freedom Law Clinic, said: “If you are thinking of going into criminal practice or have a wider interest in the criminal justice system, then this will give you a real sense of the need for pro bono in terms of access to justice but also the complexities of correcting potential miscarriages of justice.”
For more information about the work of the Freedom Law Clinic and the practical opportunities and real-life experiences of law that we offer our students please visit our work experience and mentoring webpages.