Criminal Appeals Programme (12 Weeks)

Freedom Law Clinic partnered with City St George's, University of London to deliver a 12-week Criminal Appeals Programme, supporting 120 undergraduate law students per year to gain hands-on experience working on a real criminal appeal case.

The Approach

The programme is structured to mirror the lifecycle of a live criminal appeal, combining weekly teaching with practical casework. Students work on a single case throughout, building skills progressively — from case chronology through to drafting final advice on appeal.
Each session blends:
-Expert-led teaching on criminal appeals law and procedure
-Guided casework using real case papers
-Group discussion and feedback to refine legal analysis and written work

Weekly Progression

Students develop core legal skills in a clear, structured sequence:
- Weeks 1–2: Foundations, case chronology, and legal writing
- Weeks 3–5: Evidential analysis and grounds of appeal
- Weeks 6–8: Reflection, task allocation, and fresh evidence
- Weeks 9–11: Abuse of process and drafting advice
- Week 12: Final review and practical casework completion

This progression ensures students move from theory to practical application with confidence.

The Experience

Students work directly with detailed case materials — including transcripts, witness evidence, and legal documents — developing skills in:
- Evidential analysis
- Legal writing and client communication
- Identifying viable grounds of appeal
- Collaborative legal problem-solving


Alongside weekly sessions, students complete independent casework, reflecting the realities of legal practice.

The Impact

The programme provides:
- Real-world legal experience at undergraduate level
- A clear understanding of the criminal appeals process
- Increased confidence handling complex legal materials
- Stronger employability through practical skills development

We work with universities across the UK to deliver flexible, real-case legal programmes.
  Book a call to explore how this could run at your institution.