University’s Law Clinic marks 30 years of free legal support for the community

By Ellen Landale, News Subeditor

For three decades, the clinic has provided free legal advice to Bristol residents who cannot afford a solicitor, while also giving students hands-on legal experience.

One of the first of its kind in the country, the clinic has since inspired similar programmes at universities across the UK.

Law students, supervised by qualified solicitors, support clients with a wide range of legal issues, including housing, employment, and education.

The process begins when local residents make an enquiry, which is reviewed by supervising solicitors. Student advisors then meet with clients to explore the issue in more detail and provide a tailored letter of advice. Support can include help with filing court claims, completing legal forms or starting mediation.

In 2024, the clinic won ‘Best Contribution by a Law School Award’ at the LawWorks and Attorney General Student Pro Bono Awards.

Lisa Smith, whose father’s inquest was supported by the clinic, said:

‘We are so very grateful and thankful for the existence of the University of Bristol’s Law Clinic, and the support afforded to families such as us going through complex circumstances.

‘They are doing a brilliant job and providing a truly needed and fantastic service.’ 

The Law Clinic receiving the Pro Bono award last year | University of Bristol

Law students from all years can apply to join the clinic, while third-year students also have the option to take part through the ‘Clinical Legal Studies’ module. Before taking on cases, students are trained through a combination of online courses and simulation exercises.

Alongside case work, the law clinic collaborates with outreach partners such as Next Link, as well as local schools, giving students real-life experience within law.

Chloe Wilson, a 2023 law graduate from the University of Bristol who went on to work as a graduate advisor at the clinic, said:

‘It’s not the kind of work law students usually get to do. But through the law clinic, student volunteers are proving that pro bono legal work isn’t just necessary, it’s powerful.’

The clinic was founded by Professor David Nicholson (now at the University of Essex), a law lecturer who had previously set up a similar student-run law clinic in South Africa.

What began as a small operation run out of Professor Nicholson’s office soon grew, gaining sponsorship from local law firms, including Osborne Clarke, which remains a partner of the clinic today.

 Professor Nicholson described the model as:

‘The simple formula – staff guiding students to help people in real need while gaining invaluable real-world experience – is a kind of quiet genius.’  

Since 2013, the clinic has been directed by John Peake, a senior lecturer at the University of Bristol Law School. He has overseen the clinic’s expansion from approximately 20 student volunteers to its current 280, with plans to recruit around another 50 this year.

When speaking to Epigram about the future, Professor Peake said the clinic is looking to expand its scope to provide migration advice to asylum seekers: 

‘We can’t as a law clinic just stand still. As soon as we stop progressing, we’re not going to be improving, we’re not going to be improving the service for students, we’re not going to be improving the service for community.’

‘Anything we can do to help address migration is going to be really important.’

He also revealed plans for a new Masters course, due to launch in 2027, which will directly link into the clinic to ‘allow a more integrated approach’.

University of Bristol students themselves are also able to use the clinic’s services. Peake explained:

‘The majority of inquiries from students tend to be in relation to housing and housing related issues.’

‘We won’t, as a general rule, deal with cases where it’s the university on the other side.’ 

You can make an enquiry to the law clinic here.

Featured Image: University of Bristol