Clinical Legal Education, Access to Justice and Pro Bono Law

Course description:
This dynamic course will provide students with an opportunity to learn about access to justice and pro bono initiatives in England/Wales and globally. This will happen through an in-depth look at the theory of clinical legal education, public legal education and a specific type of public legal education known as 'Street Law'. Students will examine these important activities and concepts in the context of different legal systems, the Rule of Law and professional practice. Further students will have the opportunity to develop certain professional legal skills such as client interviewing skills through structured simulations. Other professional practice topics like advocacy, professional legal ethics, drafting will also be explored. This content will be covered through highly interactive seminars, court visits and simulations.

Learning outcomes:
On completion of the module, students can expect to have acquired:
• An explanation of the practices and theories of legal education and public legal education, and how these interact with access to justice for individuals within the legal system
• An understanding of the nature of pro bono legal advice and why it is so important to the Rule of Law
• The ability to identify key problems in access to justice and free legal advice and how these problems are interrelated
• The development of client interview skills

Assessments:
The course assessments are not compulsory, however, if you wish to transfer credit for this course to your home university it is essential to complete the assignments.
Guidebook Essay: Simulated Client Interview: 45 Minutes (40%) and Essay: 3,000-words (60%)

Preparation:
 Before you arrive on campus, it is advised that you familiarise yourself with the course content before it begins. You will be given instructions for accessing our Virtual Learning Environment (QMplus) before you arrive on campus.

Teaching:
The course is taught in two two-hour sessions per day (10.00 - 12.00 and 13.00 - 15.00), held Monday to Thursday each week.