The Bristol Law Clinic, housed in the Wills Memorial Building, commemorates its 30th anniversary this year, marking three decades of service and legal education. Established by Professor Donald Nicholson, the clinic aims to provide legal assistance to individuals facing lower-level issues while offering students invaluable real-world experience.
Professor Nicholson founded the clinic in 1995 after witnessing the plight of a homeless man who struggled to access legal aid. His dedication to social justice led him to author How to Set Up and Run a Law Clinic. As a testament to its positive influence, this guide has already helped inform analogous efforts at Strathclyde and Essex universities. Nicholson wanted to develop a space where law students could directly answer community needs. This project provides critical assistance to people who historically have had the hardest time finding legal help.
In the years since its founding, the clinic has grown to become a powerful force. Today, under the leadership of John Peake, it has grown in breadth and depth of impact. Peake emphasizes the importance of addressing “everyday issues” such as tenant landlord disagreements or welfare payments. He argues that these communities are disproportionately affected by the absence of sufficient legal assistance.
The clinic just took on a huge class of 130 new student volunteers. This sharp increase is a testament to the student body’s increasing commitment to their communities through service and legal advocacy. Benjamin Hull, the clinic’s training and recruitment manager, noted, “Before coming to uni, I thought about law as this massive academic thing,” illustrating the transformative experience students undergo through their hands-on involvement.
Chloe Wilson, a former asst., recalling experience of representing one such grieving family through a jury inquest. She highlighted the significant opportunity this presented, stating, “It was a very serious case and not something students would typically get the opportunity to handle.” The emotional effect of her own work was profound for her. When she got an incredibly moving thank-you card from the family, it brought home the tremendous impact that legal advocacy can have.
Sumayyah Malna, a supervising solicitor at the clinic, credited the students with stellar mastery of their craft and fierce commitment to service. “The students are more inspiring than some of the very senior lawyers I’ve worked with in senior practice,” she remarked, underscoring the potential of emerging legal professionals in making positive changes.
Third-year law student Harish Govindarajoo conveyed his vision for equitable access to justice. He stated, “We do have this sense of belief that everyone should have access to justice,” reinforcing the clinic’s mission to assist individuals facing challenges due to circumstances beyond their control.
While Professor Nicholson is no longer actively teaching, he remains proud of the impact the clinic has had over the years. Reflecting on his journey, he remarked, “Apart from having children, it’s the most important thing I’ve done.” His vision lives on, inspiring students and community members as well.
The Bristol Law Clinic has been a crucial lifeline for many disadvantaged people grappling with a wide variety of legal problems. It particularly helps those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. As the school looks back on this milestone anniversary, it not only reflects on its role producing future attorneys, but the increasing importance of tackling immediate community priorities.
