Qualifying Work Experience that changes the world.

By Freedom Law Clinic | blog | Published on April 11, 2024

We’ve received several inquiries about our new Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) course at the Freedom Law Clinic. Let’s address some key questions you might have:

How Does Our QWE Course Operate?

Upon enrollment, you’ll have an induction call with one of our solicitors. During this call, you’ll receive important documents including our casework handbook and access to legal resources. This call will help set the timetable for your initial weeks with the clinic.

You’ll start with ‘red tier’ casework, which involves handling cases without urgent deadlines. This phase allows us to assess your practical skills and identify areas for improvement. You’ll receive a detailed report outlining your strengths and areas of development.

Progressing to ‘yellow tier’ casework, you’ll work closely with solicitors on client cases. Regular check-ins and progress reports will help enhance your competencies until you’re ready for ‘green tier’ casework—where you’ll independently manage client cases. Weekly face-to-face meetings with solicitors ensure your work meets our QWE standards.

After 6 months, we will take a ‘retention decision’ with respect to every student. Successful students will be retained as permanent caseworkers within the clinic and will be retained permanently in our casework staff.

What Will I Work On?

You’ll handle a variety of cases from our network of partner organisations, including charities and public interest groups. Recent cases have involved assisting vulnerable individuals with housing allocations, providing advice on civil actions related to public order, drafting pre-charge representations for criminal cases, and reviewing complex criminal appeals.

Who Will Supervise Me?

Our qualified solicitors, regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and bound by the Code of Solicitor Conduct, will supervise you. They ensure compliance with legal provisions and monitor your development according to solicitor competence standards.

What’s the Commitment?

The programme is flexible. We’ll ask you weekly how many hours you have available for QWE, and assignments will be tailored accordingly. While you can adjust your capacity week by week, commitment to completing assigned cases is essential.

Can I Pause My Subscription?

Your subscription renews monthly, and you can pause or cancel it by providing one month’s notice.

Will My Work Count?

Absolutely! All tasks assigned meet Qualifying Work Experience requirements. By following solicitors’ guidance and supervision, your work will be officially signed off. At the end of your six week commitment you will be considered for permanent retention as a caseworker in the clinic. If you succeed, you will continue working on our casework. If you do not succeed, then we will sign off the work you have accrued to date.

Why Pay for Work Experience?

You’re not paying for work experience but for quality supervision, training, and feedback—essential for professional growth. Your subscription fee supports qualified lawyers in providing feedback on your work and delivering vital legal services. Fully funded scholarships are available.

Enrol now through our website!
If you have more questions, feel free to reach out via WhatsApp or email.

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