Clinical Law

Overview

This course blends theory with practice, and is delivered in partnership with the Legal Support Project (LSP) of Law Centre NI (LCNI). Students will spend 2 x 4hr periods per teaching week in the LSP, providing supervised assistance on social security casework. Weekly tasks must be completed to the standard required by the terms of the Service Level Agreement between the School of Law and LCNI. Supervision is provided by LCNI staff, who will also deliver a frontloaded training programme (20 hours, delivered in weeks 1 and 2; the School of Law also takes classes during those weeks). This training programme will address: (i) access to justice and pursuing strategic litigation in a law centre setting; and (ii) areas of clinical work - the law on Employment and Support Allowance, Disability and Living Allowance, and Personal Independence Payment (PIP); Social Security Appeals Tribunals (practice and procedure); client care in a pro bono setting.

The practical aspects of the course are complemented by set academic literature on access to justice and strategic litigation, ensuring that students are able to reflect critically and systematically on all aspects of clinical practice.

Learning Objectives

On completion of the module students will be able to:

Demonstrate awareness and understanding of issues around access to justice and strategic litigation, and the nature, aims and context of law centre practice;
Plan and undertake casework under supervision, asking cogent questions and identifying gaps in their own knowledge and understanding;
Complete casework tasks to a high standard, developing awareness of professional standards, competencies and ethics;
Present information and ideas in a coherent and accurate manner, orally and in written form.

Skills

On completion of the module students will be able to:

Work collaboratively under supervision, listening and responding to written and oral instructions, and making effective use of feedback;
Respect deadlines and professional commitments, and operate effectively within a context of professional standards and regulation;
Engage with their personal/professional development.

Assessment

Attend at least 22/24 4hr practice-components at LCNI, completing sessions to the standard required by the SLA.

Assessment reflects the learning outcomes and skills.