Student law clinic conference hailed a success

Malcolm Combe, chair of SULCN, gave Scottish Legal News the details of the day.

“People from all sectors, and most importantly students, learned what activities are already taking place across the universities and listened to presentations and panel sessions about challenges and opportunities that are being faced in Scotland today.

“The event was both practical and aspirational, giving students, academics and supporters plenty to think about but also take-home lessons that can be implemented quickly, on the use of technology and outreach work,” he said.

There were also more traditional sessions, with Professor Donald Nicolson of Strathclyde delivering an address on the purpose of law clinics and how they can make direct and indirect contributions towards access to justice.

Meanwhile, Judge Shona Simon, President of Employment Tribunals Scotland, closed the conference with a speech about the positive impact she has seen law clinic volunteers have in cases, which could be seen as a rallying cry for more traditional aspects of advice and representation.

Mr Combe added: “Thanks to all contributors to the day, including Mungo Bovey QC who highlighted the Faculty of Advocates’ FLSU in his keynote address and the Law Society of Scotland who sponsored the wine reception and Rob Marrs of the society delivered the now traditional session on Street Law.

“A special thanks also to all the team at Glasgow Caledonian University for making the day run so smoothly, particularly Ian Laing, Patricia Taylor said Claire McFadzean.”