In the next three years or so, you're going to be entering the graduate jobs market. With the rapidly evolving legal landscape, can you predict which area of law you will want to work in right now?
There are many areas of law you can practice in once you graduate, and volunteering in the Essex Law Clinic will give you the chance to explore some of these. You'll get to work on real-life cases and be responsible for delivering free legal assistance to vulnerable members of the community. This unique experience will give you the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience working on legal cases and develop your skills and interests in various areas of law, for example, housing, immigration, family, or employment law.
This exciting opportunity will mean you'll also be working alongside organisations delivering outreach projects, whilst gaining expert training and mentorship from lawyers and practitioners outside of your normal uni lectures. You'll also learn how the law actually operates in practice, and be able to demonstrate genuine practical legal experience when it matters most.
By becoming an important part of our Clinic, you'll be putting yourself in the best possible position for when it's time to hand in your library card, throw up your graduation cap, and take your next steps into your future.
Bronze applications for Essex Law Clinic are now open.
If you are in your first or second year, please complete the application form below.
Applications are due by Monday 20 October 2025 at 9am. If your application is successful, you will be notified by 27 October 2025 and there will be a compulsory induction held on Wednesday 29 October 2025 (time tbd).
Please note that Essex Law Clinic activities take place in person on Wednesday afternoons during term time. If you have any questions about the Clinic, or experience any issues with the form, please contact elawclinic@essex.ac.uk
The Essex Law Clinic is based in the Essex Law School on our Colchester Campus. The Law Clinic also has a number of partnerships with local organisations around Essex, so you may be working on cases at one of our various outreach clinics in the community.
We get it, you're probably wondering whether you'd be ready to take on real-life clients so early on in your law degree. Don't worry, we know it can seem daunting. Volunteering puts you at the cutting edge of legal practice, so giving you the ultimate training and education that will prepare you for working with real-life clients is our top priority from the minute you join the Law Clinic.
Essex Law Clinic is a completely safe space where you're encouraged to ask questions, and where you'll be supported by experienced legal practitioners. You'll often work in pairs, and your interviews, client meetings, and any advice given will be overseen by clinic staff or practicing lawyers.
The Clinic is currently run by a Management Committee which includes two or three appointed student directors and deputy student directors. Students also play a role in management in the form of four or five firm managers. Other students also help with various clinic activities, such as organising training, publicity, communications and social events, and helping to run project and outreach activities. So, if you're interested in a future in management and developing your personal skills, there are many exciting opportunities you can take advantage of.
You can join the Law Clinic in your first year and, depending on your performance, may continue throughout your undergraduate studies at Essex. Applications open in the summer for a few weeks during the start of term.
For more information on how to apply or the application process, please email elawclinic@essex.ac.uk, and we'll be happy to help answer your questions.
Sam Howlett volunteered for three years throughout her law degree. She had a particular interest in family law and won the Best Contribution by an Individual at the prestigious LawWorks and Attorney General Student Pro Bono Awards in 2022 for her exceptional pro bono work
"I want to express just how much the Clinic has had an impact on me. My three years at the Clinic have enabled me to come out of my comfort zone, build my confidence, develop my leadership, and become a far better student (and person) for it. It has been an amazing three years and the Clinic has been responsible for many of my highlights. From working on the projects, such as the Red Cross Project, to trialing the virtual clinic at the start of the COVID outbreak. It has all been brilliant and I cannot think of a single low point."
Got a question? Don't leave it unanswered. Our team's here to give you any advice and information you need. Let us help you be knowledgable, and confident in your next steps.