Volunteer as a student

Obtaining the skills and knowledge you need, right on campus

Where is the Clinic based?

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.

Will I get training?

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.

The 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.

Interested in management?

The Clinic is currently run by a Management Committee which includes two or three appointed student directors. Students also play a role in management in the form of four firm managers. Other students also help with various clinic activities, such as developing clinic policy, organising training, publicity, communications, and social events. 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.

How do you join the Essex Law Clinic?

You can join the Law Clinic in your first year, and continue throughout your duration at Essex. Applications open in the summer for a few weeks during the start of term.

If you're in your second year, you can register for module LW250 Legal Advice Casework. If you register you'll be contacted with details about the application process to the Clinic. If you're applying through this method, the deadline for your application is usually slightly earlier, as it is required for registration at Essex.

Membership involves the following categories:

Bronze members:

• Work on projects designed to serve the public through legal research, public legal education, and law reform
• Develop their legal and transferable skills through these projects, casework training, and limited opportunities for actual casework

Silver members:

• Trained to take on cases
• Interview clients in pairs, overseen by Clinic staff or pro bono lawyers
• Research legal issues and provide letters of advice to the clients
• Engage in some forms of writing letters on behalf of clients

Gold and Platinum members:

• This is a membership for those who make an outstanding contribution to the Clinic through the quality and quantity of their case and project work
• Qualify for certain opportunities such as interviewing on their own or attending conferences

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.