Accessibility statement

Clinic - LAW00083H

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  • Department: The York Law School
  • Module co-ordinator: Ms. Sara Boulton
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

The Clinic provides a unique learning experience by working with ‘live’ clients who have real problems or issues, some of which you and your Clinic SLF members may not have previously encountered before. In the course of working for your client, you will develop a range of key skills including interviewing, factual analysis, legal research and drafting advice letters, detailed case management, office and administrative abilities and time management.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25
B Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

This module gives students the opportunity to participate in, or shadow, real cases for clients across a wide range of different areas of law including small business problems, social security, housing and employment. Clients may be individuals who require advice, and possibly representation, or organisations who are seeking more general advice including advice on law reform. All student work will be supervised by the Clinic Solicitor or other suitably qualified members of staff. Students will work on allocated cases and take part in both individual tasks and collective work as part of a student law firm.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able:

  • through a critical analysis of at least one aspect of substantive law, encountered during the module, to demonstrate a clear understanding of the legal principles involved, as evidenced by documented research and subsequent advice given.
  • with reference to a range of clinic-related experiences, to identify the fundamental principles underpinning the skills that lawyers need to have to effectively carry out their work.
  • in complying with applicable standards of professional conduct and client-care requirements, to show a sound appreciation of the constraints on and expectations of a university-based legal service provider.
  • with reference to one aspect of law, procedure or other regulatory matter encountered during the module, to identify the relevant merits or shortcomings of that provision including, if relevant, a critical reflection on how that law, procedure or regulatory provision might be improved.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Practical - Group Mark : Other		 N/A 10
Essay/coursework
Essay/Coursework		 N/A 45
Oral presentation/seminar/exam
Oral Presentation		 N/A 45

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Practical - Group Mark : Other		 N/A 10
Essay/coursework
Essay/Coursework		 N/A 45
Oral presentation/seminar/exam
Oral Presentation		 N/A 45

Module feedback

Students will receive continuous feedback on progress by their case supervisor.

Assessments will be marked and graded with written feedback provided on the coursework. Students are invited to discuss their marks and feedback with the Clinic Solicitor.

Feedback will be provided within the Policy Turnaround Time.

Indicative reading

  • A Student Guide to Clinical Legal Education and Pro Bono, Kevin Kerrigan and Victoria. Murray (eds.), Palgrave Macmillan, 2011
  • The Global Clinical Movement: Educating Lawyers for Social Justice, Frank Bloch (ed.), Oxford University Press, 2010
  • Clinical Legal Education active learning in your law school, Hugh Brayne, Nigel Duncan and Richard Grimes, Blackstone Press, 1998 (currently out of print but excerpts on the VLE and hard copy available in Clinic)


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.