Studying at York
Clinic - LAW00083H
- Department: The York Law School
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: H
- Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
- See module specification for other years: 2024-25
Module summary
The Clinic provides a unique learning experience by working with ‘live’ clients who have real problems or issues, some of which you and your Clinic SLF members may not have previously encountered before. In the course of working for your client, you will develop a range of key skills including interviewing, factual analysis, legal research and drafting advice letters, detailed case management, office and administrative abilities and time management.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2023-24 |
| B | Semester 2 2023-24 |
Module aims
This module gives students the opportunity to participate in, or shadow, real cases for clients across a wide range of different areas of law including small business problems, social security, housing and employment. Clients may be individuals who require advice, and possibly representation, or organisations who are seeking more general advice including advice on law reform. All student work will be supervised by the Clinic Solicitor or other suitably qualified members of staff. Students will work on allocated cases and take part in both individual tasks and collective work as part of a student law firm.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able:
- through a critical analysis of at least one aspect of substantive law, encountered during the module, to demonstrate a clear understanding of the legal principles involved, as evidenced by documented research and subsequent advice given.
- with reference to a range of clinic-related experiences, to identify the fundamental principles underpinning the skills that lawyers need to have to effectively carry out their work.
- in complying with applicable standards of professional conduct and client-care requirements, to show a sound appreciation of the constraints on and expectations of a university-based legal service provider.
- with reference to one aspect of law, procedure or other regulatory matter encountered during the module, to identify the relevant merits or shortcomings of that provision including, if relevant, a critical reflection on how that law, procedure or regulatory provision might be improved.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 10 |
| Essay/coursework | 45 |
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 45 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 10 |
| Essay/coursework | 45 |
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 45 |
Module feedback
Students will receive continuous feedback on progress by their case supervisor.
Assessments will be marked and graded with written feedback provided on the coursework. Students are invited to discuss their marks and feedback with the Clinic Solicitor.
Feedback will be provided within the Policy Turnaround Time.
Indicative reading
- A Student Guide to Clinical Legal Education and Pro Bono, Kevin Kerrigan and Victoria. Murray (eds.), Palgrave Macmillan, 2011
- The Global Clinical Movement: Educating Lawyers for Social Justice, Frank Bloch (ed.), Oxford University Press, 2010
- Clinical Legal Education active learning in your law school, Hugh Brayne, Nigel Duncan and Richard Grimes, Blackstone Press, 1998 (currently out of print but excerpts on the VLE and hard copy available in Clinic)