I did what may be my last session at the Kent Law Clinic last night. It was not the most successful session I've done, with two of the four 'clients' failing to turn up, with the result that we were waiting around for over an hour for the last client to show. Still, the two clients who did have they courtesy to keep their appointments both seemed pleased with the advice that I was able to give them.Why might this be my last session? Well, I've been doing this for three years now, and along with the free sessions I used to do for the C.A.B. (not to mention nearly 20 years of legal aid work), I think I've 'done my bit'. It's not as if I have become a 'fat cat' from the law and should 'give something back' - nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, it is often the case that the clients to whom I am giving my free time earn more than I do. Those on low incomes should, of course, be eligible for legal help under the legal aid scheme, although this is often not the case.
The sessions are not, of course, just for the benefit of the public - they are also for the benefit of the students. Hopefully, my sessions have given them some small enlightenment - if we see a fall in the number of former Kent University law students becoming family lawyers, we'll know why! Whether or not I do any more sessions, I wish all of the students the best of luck in their studies, and their future careers.
the pro bono work i am doing both at my college pro bono centre and at a local law centre is the most exciting part of my practice. it's also becoming a major part of my experience of law.
ReplyDeletei have presented cases in the lvt, offered advice to asylum seekers and bankers(!) and had the thrill of winning my first case.
it's brilliant and couldn't happen without qualifieds like you supervising - your time could not have been spent better!
Thanks. Hope you continue to enjoy it!
ReplyDelete"...my sessions have given them some small enlightenment..."
ReplyDeleteThere are no doubts!
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