Cardiff University Law Clinic
Taking place in Cardiff’s Civil Justice Centre, the Cardiff University Law Clinic sees law students advise members of the public in need of legal advice. Under the supervision of a specialist solicitor, their advice focuses on housing cases, such as possession proceedings, disrepair, occupation contracts and notices seeking possession. It also assists those seeking advice in family matters, such as divorce and child arrangements.
Appointments for the clinic are arranged through Support Through the Court or by email directly to the law clinic (lawclinic@cardiff.ac.uk) and advice is given in writing following the initial appointment. This pro bono scheme gives students practical experience of interviewing, researching and legal writing. They learn key skills such as establishing rapport with the client, asking appropriate questions to obtain a full picture of the case, active listening, maintaining an accurate record and writing clearly.
The law clinic can only consider cases where clients are based in Wales.
In just a few months, the law clinic has exponentially boosted my confidence of working within the legal sector. Paired with the invaluable work we complete at Support Through Court, this opportunity has allowed me to work within a variety of different aspects of the court process. Through independently conducting client interviews and navigating a case management system, via the drafting of advice letters, I have gained an insight I would otherwise not have access to.
The student advisors and their supervisor were super helpful and made me feel comfortable enough to discuss my case in detail. The advice letter was personalised and explained my legal rights and next steps clearly and efficiently.
As someone who cannot afford legal representation, navigating this process alone has been challenging. However, the Law Clinic’s expertise and support have given me a sense of security and confidence in moving forward. I truly appreciate their assistance and would highly recommend their services to anyone in need of legal support.