Turning Threats into Opportunities? How legal aid cuts and government target setting has paved the way for the expansion of legal education in the UK and beyond. By Elizabeth Smart – Programme & Clinical Lead for Law Anna Deans, Hallam Law Supervising Solicitor & Senior Lecturer in Law

Introduction – The Traditional Law Clinic Model Clinical Movement in the UK started 30 years ago First Clinic set up in the UK in SHU Clinic – established in 1993 Most clinics are in house – funded by the University Most of the original clinics – formed part of student’s study Multi –disciplinary practice Open only during term time

Opportunities to expand clinical provision Challenges in the Profession Cuts to Legal Aid Changes to funding civil claims Commoditisation of Legal services Technology Legal Services Act – introduced Alternative Business Structures Key Drivers for University Student Experience Develop Student’s Employability Skills Internationalisation of the curriculum

What does it look like in Innovations

The Sheffield Experience Hallam LawHallam Justice Specialist ClinicHallam Appeals Law in PracticePrison Clinic InternationalStreetlaw Prisons EnvironmentalStreetlaw Court help deskHuman Rights

Partnerships Courts – Civil and Criminal Charities Businesses Solicitor firms Chambers Universities

Hallam Combined Court Help Desk Fusion of red brick and new Personal Support Unit Small claims Work referral Increase in footfall

Student enterprise Student engagement Curriculum design Management Apprenticeships Paralegals Trainees ABS – different partnerships models

What next? 1.Future of the UK legal profession 2.Increasing local demand 3.University funded legal support – resources and sustainability 4.Conflict

Any questions?