Is it all worth the effort?

A study by the Solicitors Pro Bono Group (now LawWorks) indicated that some 50% of UK law schools currently support some element of clinical or pro bono activity by students. Even allowing for a fairly generous interpretation of what this might mean, it is indicative of strong student interest in clinical and work-based opportunities. Evaluations and qualitative studies tend to show that students respond very positively to clinical legal education, not just because of the practical knowledge and experience it gives them but because of the developmental (reflection and self evaluation), affective (for example self confidence, motivation) and meta-cognitive (problem solving, work organisation) benefits they feel that they have attained. Talk to experienced clinicians and you will generally receive a similar endorsement.

But clinical work, as I’ve tried to show, is not to be undertaken lightly, or because it is a current ‘flavour of the month’. It can be resource hungry and demanding on the time and energies of faculty and students. And it requires careful planning and design if the educational benefits are to be maximised.

Last Modified: 2 August 2010