Shannon, LLB Law and Criminal Justice
I was drawn to studying law at the University of Roehampton because it offers a really unique aspect, the internship in the Legal Advice Centre module, which is where you get to work at our on-campus law clinic. I hadn’t seen this in many other universities, so it really drew me to the course.
Working in the Law Clinic
The Law Clinic is immersive and hands-on and enables you to work on a range of cases, from Employment to Family to Landlord and Tenant disputes. To study this module, I had to undertake a short interview process and achieve a 2:1 in my second year.
There were other students studying the module alongside me. We formed two small tight-knit teams who, together, worked closely with clients, sometimes in difficult circumstances, taking instructions and undertaking legal research. We drafted documents on their behalf and we aimed for a 14-day process with each client. We worked closely with our supervising Barrister and observed our supervisor delivering the legal advice – it really felt like being in a real life law practice.
We worked with a few tenants who have been treated really poorly. One client had a rent increase of 33% and was also being evicted, but it turned out their landlord didn’t even have a license. So, we worked with them to pursue a rent repayment order.
Skills gained beyond lectures
The law clinic gave me more than legal knowledge; it helped me gain confidence, compassion, and enhanced my communication skills. I learned how to talk to clients, build trust – things you can’t learn from a lecture or workshop.
I really enjoyed the structured and collaborative approach that I got from my peers and lecturers. It felt like my lecturers were more my colleagues and that really enhanced the experience for me.
Life beyond the clinic
I’m planning to continue volunteering at the clinic over the summer. Once I graduate, I’d love to find a job in government policy, specifically around tenant protection.
I’m keen to continue doing what I’ve been doing! It’s been so rewarding helping people who really need it.
My advice to future law students
If you’re considering studying law at Roehampton – do it! Get involved and make the most of everything. Talk to your lecturers, join a society, go on trips, compete in moots, this is your opportunity to grow.
Find out more about studying law at Roehampton.