Working in a law clinic provides firsthand experience of the alarming gaps in access to justice. Every day, we receive inquiries from individuals who have suffered a legal wrong or injustice but cannot afford to pursue their case. Others simply do not know where to begin. The reality is stark: countless people should have access to the courts or formal legal advice but face insurmountable barriers.

Real Cases, Real Impact

Over the last few weeks, our students have been assisting on a range of critical cases, including:

• A negligence claim against a housing association following the injury of a toddler.
• Helping a vulnerable woman secure adequate housing for herself and her child.
• Assisting a UK citizen in bringing his partner into the country from Afghanistan.

These cases are typical of the issues that arise in a clinical setting. While they provide invaluable experience for our students, we never lose sight of the fact that behind each case is a real person in need of help.

The Need for Reform

Many institutions attempt to bridge the justice gap through pro bono legal services, and we are proud to contribute to this effort. However, should we also be looking at institutional reform to make legal support more accessible?

One potential solution is expanding the use of early mediation. Civil mediation can be a highly effective way to resolve disputes outside of court, saving time and resources for both claimants and the legal system. The Employment Tribunal already deploys early mediation to resolve workplace disputes before they escalate to litigation. Could a similar approach be introduced across other legal sectors to help individuals address their grievances more efficiently?

Why This Matters for SQE Students

For students pursuing Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) as part of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), clinical legal work provides vital exposure to real cases. It helps develop essential skills in legal research, client communication, and case management—crucial competencies for any future solicitor. But more importantly, it instills a deep understanding of the access to justice crisis and the responsibility legal professionals have in addressing it.

Get Involved

If you are passionate about access to justice and want to gain real-world legal experience, we would love to hear from you. At Freedom Law Clinic, we offer students the opportunity to work on live cases while developing the practical skills needed for a successful legal career.

Interested? Get in touch today and be part of the change.