What attracted you to the Law Clinic?
When I first arrived at the University of Bristol Law School, I found out about the Law Clinic. I was really inspired by the work that it did. It's an amazing opportunity to get some practical experience alongside my studies. It also provides me with a channel to give back to the community that I live in.
Tell us about how the Law Clinic can support the armed forces veterans.
The Law Clinic is keen to play its part in ensuring ex-service persons and their families are treated fairly. The Veterans Law Clinic aims to work with the charities that support the interests of this group.
In line with the University of Bristol’s recent signing a commitment towards the Armed Forces Covenant, the Law Clinic is looking to advertise its services to local charities dealing with ex-service people. Our commitment to provide free legal advice to this group will feed directly into the university’s pledge to make sure veterans can adjust to civilian life and that are treated fairly.
What have you learned from your pro bono work?
It's interesting to learn the law surrounding the issues that are facing society today, whilst at the same time familiarising myself with how things work in the real world. For instance, armed forces and their families might be experiencing for example housing issues and it is important for them to get the best advice that they can to resolve these issues. Working with the Law Clinic makes me realise that social change can be brought about through community collaboration and about the influence that different people can have when they come together and use their skills productively.
Overall, my work with the Law Clinic emphasises the importance of informing people of their rights in their day-to-day scenario. It is about empowering and helping them to navigate complex issues in a more efficient way.
What are the other opportunities that the Law Clinic brings to your study?
A great opportunity that comes alongside working with the Law Clinic is that you get a glimpse into different areas of the law. Such an exposure can help you gain an insight into a vast range of legal areas that you could potentially go into. You will feel that you're making a more informed decision when you decide to specialise in certain areas of law.