Bristol Students and Academics Celebrate 30 Years of Providing Free Legal Support to the Local Community
By Education Correspondent
One of the first of its kind in the UK, the University of Bristol Law Clinic has grown into one of the largest, inspiring similar initiatives at universities nationwide.
In 2023, it won the Best Contribution by a Law School award at the LawWorks and Attorney General Student Pro Bono Awards.
Law students, under the guidance of qualified solicitors, have supported hundreds of clients with legal issues ranging from housing and employment to welfare benefits—gaining hands-on experience and seeing the real-world impact of legal advocacy.
Chloe Wilson, who graduated in 2023 and is now heading into pupillage at St John’s Chambers in Bristol, reflected on her time with the Clinic.
In July 2023, she represented a grieving family at a jury inquest, making submissions and cross-examining experienced counsel.
“His family believed the system had failed him... At the inquest, I was their voice. I asked the hard questions... I made legal arguments that would normally be handled by barristers with years of experience.”
“The jury returned a conclusion in the family’s favour. New policies have since been introduced to better support people in mental health crises. This was the biggest case I’d ever taken on... Pro bono legal work isn’t just necessary – it’s powerful.”
Lisa Smith, whose family was represented at the same inquest, said the Clinic’s support was essential:
“The Law School students were fantastic... I cannot state enough how truly grateful we are. They made a positive difference to us and will do the same for others.”
John Peake, Director of the Law Clinic, added:
“Our students gain experience they wouldn’t otherwise get, while helping people with nowhere else to turn. It’s a win-win that benefits both the students and the community.”
The idea for the Clinic came from Professor David Nicholson, who had previously set up a student law clinic in apartheid-era South Africa. A chance encounter with a homeless man in Bristol reignited his passion to launch a similar initiative here.
“It was basic at first – an office, an answerphone, filing cabinets – but enough to start helping people. I’m proud to see the Clinic thrive today, inspiring a network of similar programmes.”
Sponsorship from law firms like Osborne Clarke and Burges Salmon helped the Clinic grow further.
Juliet Williams, now a barrister, helped build momentum as a student in the 1990s:
“By the time I left, the Law Clinic had become what we’d hoped: a team of committed students helping the community. I’m proud it went on to inspire other clinics nationwide.”
Student Lydia Jones, now studying for a postgraduate degree in International Law, said:
“It was the Law Clinic that drew me to Bristol... You work on real cases, with real people, facing real problems.”
One standout moment for her was the Save Redfield Cinema campaign, where her legal work helped secure protection for the building for five years.
“The landowner had a big legal team. I was just a student. But we made it happen.”
She added the experience helped her overcome imposter syndrome and gave her confidence in her legal abilities.
Sumayyah Malna, supervising solicitor and senior lecturer, moved from private practice to work at the Clinic:
“Clients often come to us after being turned away elsewhere. I see the gaps in access to justice every day—and I get to help address them.”
“We don’t just advise. We listen, we advocate, we empower. Every day brings a chance to make a difference.”
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