With over 14 years as a criminal lawyer, I have had the unique opportunity to blend my own practice experience with nearly a decade of teaching aspiring solicitors and barristers. Since 2021, our SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) programme has provided a structured pathway for students, led by an invaluable team of seasoned criminal lawyers. These experienced practitioners are not only mentors but active professionals who bring the complexities of the field to life, guiding students through the challenging process of gaining Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).

Our clinic, built from scratch, has grown through the insights, skills, and knowledge of these practising lawyers. Many of our former students, now successful solicitors and barristers, owe their start in the field to the grounding they received here. Reflecting on our journey, we have identified key insights on the value of delivering QWE through the expertise of experienced criminal lawyers.

1. The Essential Role of Experienced Lawyers in Teaching Clinical Legal Education

There is no substitute for real-world experience when it comes to teaching clinical legal education. The nuances of criminal practice—how cases are built, managed, and argued—cannot be fully grasped through textbooks. Our QWE programme is taught by lawyers who have handled cases across a spectrum of complexity. Their insights into courtroom dynamics, client interactions, and case strategies go beyond theory, offering students a genuine glimpse into the profession.

The presence of these experienced lawyers enables us to elevate our students quickly, moving them from theoretical concepts to practical application. Unlike traditional academic instruction, our approach allows students to work closely with active professionals who bring relevant, up-to-date experience into their mentorship. This structure creates an environment where students gain practical responsibilities early on, with the support and guidance of professionals who understand the critical nuances of each task. The value of this hands-on knowledge is evident as students learn to adapt and respond to real-world scenarios in ways only direct engagement can provide.

2. Building Networks Through Relationships with Practising Lawyers

Delivering meaningful QWE requires carefully cultivated networks of professionals and partnerships. Our clinic relies heavily on these relationships, and much of our programme’s success rests on the trust and expertise of the practising lawyers who teach and mentor. These professionals not only educate but also facilitate the connections that make clinical legal education truly valuable.

For example, our mentors bring a keen awareness of the provisions of the Legal Services Act and the boundaries of student involvement in legal matters. Each partner relationship we’ve built ensures that our students are matched with cases they can handle, always under the watchful eye of an experienced lawyer who can step in when necessary. Over the years, our collaboration with partner organisations has allowed us to refine our process, ensuring that our students’ work serves educational goals while respecting the legal limits of their experience.

These partnerships also provide access to high-quality cases and varied work experiences that would otherwise be difficult to secure. Each student benefits from this structured setup, encountering a range of situations that build resilience and adaptability essential to a successful legal career.

3. Building Confidence with Humility: Learning from Seasoned Practitioners

Our QWE clinic is designed to challenge students, and it’s common for them to start with a sense of humility, especially when they realise the gravity of the work involved. For many, working on real cases with real clients, under the mentorship of practising lawyers, is both thrilling and daunting. This initial nervousness is a healthy response that reflects their respect for the profession and their eagerness to learn.

Our experienced lawyers play a pivotal role in turning that apprehension into growth. They’ve been through the ups and downs of legal practice and understand the pressures students face. By providing constant mentorship, they help students navigate early challenges, guiding them on how to make informed decisions and teaching them the importance of thorough case preparation. This guidance goes beyond simple instruction; our lawyers actively involve students in critical discussions, reinforcing the idea that a good lawyer knows not only their capabilities but also their limitations.

Students develop the ability to work within these boundaries while also pushing beyond initial fears. Through the insights of our experienced mentors, students learn that legal practice is a continuous learning process. Our clinic fosters both humility and confidence—qualities essential to navigating the demanding nature of criminal law.

Real-World Skills Enhanced by Practitioners’ Experience

The skills gained in our clinic go beyond academic achievement, as students learn practical abilities essential for real-world legal practice. By working closely with practising lawyers, students quickly grasp the demands of case management, client communication, and courtroom preparation. The guidance of these seasoned professionals enables students to face the complexities of the legal field with resilience and resourcefulness.

Each case a student handles is an opportunity to apply foundational skills under expert supervision. Our mentors are there to model, correct, and advise, allowing students to understand and reflect on each stage of the legal process. This hands-on learning is fundamental for building skills that extend beyond the classroom, preparing students to handle complex cases and high-pressure situations with confidence.

Building Professional Identity Through Lawyer Mentorship

One of the most transformative aspects of our QWE programme is its impact on students’ professional identities. Students not only learn the law; they develop the ethics, empathy, and confidence required in a legal career. Our practising lawyers impart not just technical skills but also the values and attitudes essential to responsible practice. Through these mentors, students come to appreciate the importance of confidentiality, empathy, and a client-centred approach. By observing the day-to-day conduct of experienced professionals, students witness the professional standards required in the field and begin to adopt these standards themselves.

Our clinic doesn’t just prepare students for a legal career—it helps them envision and embody the role of a professional lawyer. This transformation is nurtured by the guidance of experienced practitioners who have committed their careers to the practice of criminal law and the development of the next generation of solicitors. For us, the ultimate success is watching these students step into their roles with the confidence and humility they’ve built here.

Your Path to Real-World Legal Practice

Our QWE programme offers a unique opportunity to learn from practising lawyers, develop essential skills, and build connections within the legal profession. If you’re ready to take the next step in your legal career, consider reaching out for a discovery call with one of our course directors. Here, you’ll find a supportive environment where mentors are dedicated to helping you succeed in the demanding, rewarding field of law.