Future-Proofing law clinic

In 2008, Susskind predicted ‘incremental revolution’, but commented on the failure of law schools to prepare ‘future lawyers for the very different legal work place’ predicted for the future. Clinic offers students a powerful “real world” experience, enabling ‘the transfer of expertise from the expert to the novice’ and in a way that should enhance their employability skills – but how far is that ambition realised? In the light of an ongoing research project run by the authors involving focus groups comprising current students, alumni, employers as well as Law staff, we will consider how clinic is perceived by those groups and whether students are clearly articulating the opportunities and perhaps limitations of clinic when applying for graduate employment. The aim of the research project is to assist students in identifying the relevant skills from clinic that will best prepare them for their future as lawyers.