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Graduate Q&A: Best Student Volunteer in the Law Clinic

Law Student Alice Ratcliffe receiving her award for the Best Student Volunteer in the Law Clinic from John Peake, Director of the Law Clinic

Press release issued: 26 July 2016

Law Student Alice Ratcliffe graduated with a 2.1 in Law this July. She was also chosen to be the first recipient of the Best Student Volunteer in the Law Clinic award. We met up with her to discuss how she felt receiving the award, why she’s going to continue volunteering with the Clinic over the summer, and what advice she would offer students wanting to get involved.

Congratulations on your graduation. How did it feel to receive the new Law Clinic award?

Deciding to join the law clinic whilst at university has been one of my best decisions yet. It has been invaluable in the development of a number of key skills, allowing me to put the law that I have learnt into practice as well as improving my adaptability and flexibility as an individual. I am so overwhelmingly pleased to have been awarded the Law Clinic Volunteer of the Year Award and I am extremely proud to be a part of such an important, passionate and supportive organisation. I cannot explain how beneficial it has been, not just myself but to the wider community, and I would strongly advise all prospective law students to get involved with the law clinic as soon as they can.

What made you decide to stay on to volunteer in the Law Clinic over the summer – rather than take a well-deserved break?

As I want to pursue a career in law, the skills gained from my position with the Law Clinic have been invaluable; undertaking work over the summer with the Law Clinic will only help to further develop such skills. In addition, giving back to the public is extremely important especially with regards to legal advice and the lack of legal aid available, therefore working with the Law Clinic allows members of the public to receive any important advice that they may need.

What has been most rewarding for you personally during your time with the Law Clinic?

As Advice Coordinator on the Law Clinic Committee, the most rewarding aspect of the role was discovering how popular and successful the Law Clinic is. During my time on the committee I was able to manage up to 100 cases; this has now increased even more. This is extremely rewarding as it shows that the organisation is operating effectively and able to support members of the public where needed.

What has been your biggest challenge whilst working for the Law Clinic?

Having been on the committee for the last academic year, the biggest challenge for me was ensuring that all cases that came in were dealt with promptly and appropriately (which they were); as the Law Clinic has grown and become extremely popular, the number of cases received has increased massively!

What types of cases have you worked on?

The cases that I have worked on have varied, proving the versatility and breadth of advice that can be sought at the Law Clinic. I have been able to work on cases relating to employment issues and clauses in employment contracts as well as cases relating to commercial leases and unlawful forfeiture of that lease.

What advice would you give a student looking to apply for a place at the Law Clinic next year?

To take initiative and try to get involved in any sort of work experience with a client-orientated environment beforehand if they can; this is really useful for communication skills when dealing with members of the public! Additionally, if a student is to apply to the Law Clinic, they should not do so half-heartedly and must remember that it is real people that the Law Clinic deals with; students will have to ensure that they can devote their time as well as manage their studies alongside this extra-curricular activity. 

 

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