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Student ID: 77353059

Module: Law Clinic

Module leader: Ms Emelia Sayenda

Coursework title: Law Clinic component 2

Word count: 1540

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Engaging in a law clinic provided a very big opportunity to help close the gap
between what is learnt in a lecture room and practicing in a real world.
Throughout my law clinic journey I was privileged to work with various files
being file number, Es104,099,103,SG051 and SG052 where I was able to
develop and demonstrate various skills needed for a legal profession. These
included professionalism, written and oral communications, legal research
and team work. This report will reflect on my learning using Gibbs
reflective cycle 1988 as a frame work. Gibbs model offers an approach
for reflection, guiding analysis, conclusion and action planning. I will be
mainly focusing on the development of professional competencies, mainly
interviewing ,legal research and letter writing as well as employability skills .

CLIENT INTERVIEWS

In the early weeks of our law clinic module ,I had the privilege of having my
first client interview involving client matter number 099 and this was to
gather information and instructions from the client about the legal matter
they were facing. I was given the task of leading the interview and asking the
client all the relevant questions and establishing the facts of the case. This
was the start of my real world experience in interviewing a client.

I felt both excited and fearful at first. I was so eager and excited to pit
everything that I was taught in a lecture room into practice but at the same
time anxious and fearful of what if something goes wrong and I make
mistakes during my interactions with clients. After interviewing my first
client, I was relieved that despite me being nervous ,I was able to pull it off
professionally.

Overtime, my confidence grew and my supervisor gave positive feedback

about that. When team work failed and research didn’t give clear results, I
became frustrated, nevertheless all these feelings helped in my growth at
the law clinic.
The interview had some positives about it as I was able to remain calm and
professional also maintaining eye contact throughout the interview. I was
also able to put the client’s information into summary to confirm my
understanding. However, I had some areas that I needed to improve in, my
interrupting a client when responding while trying to clarify points affected
the flow of our conversation.

Interacting with real clients helped show that what I was taught in a lecture
room alone is not enough and I got to realize that me being nervous almost
cost us as I almost missed important information from the client.

In future interviews, I will make a list of all the possible questions to ask a
client to ensure that I do not miss any important information. Additionally I
will take brief notes myself so that I also remain depending on my partner’s
notes.

PRACTICAL LEGAL RESEARCH

During the law clinic, I was tasked with conducting a research for a client
matter number 099,which involved a complex issue relating to the law of hire
purchase ,where I was required to investigate statutory provisions and cases
laws relating to my client’s matter. This took place on the second week of the
module and it was my first time applying a legal research to a real life client
situation

I was so confident with my research skills at first since I had passed my

research project in diploma with a distinction, however my bubble was
busted when I came into realization that one wrong move will ruin my client’s
legal opportunities and their legal rights will be affected and I was also
worried about if my report will be of a professional standard.

Nevertheless, there were some strengths on how I approached this task ,I

logically structured my research differentiating between applicable law and
potential advice. I sometimes struggled with only choosing relevant
information thus including irrelevant information on my research, however
after feedback from the supervisor ,I was able to filter out irrelevant
information and focused more on relevant ones.

The experience helped realize the difference between a legal research and
an academic research and it helped me to write to and for a client rather
than a legal person and this was made possible by my supervisor’s feedback.
The legal research helped me interpret and apply legal knowledge to real life
problems.

In future ,I will seek supervisor feedback on time to correct on my

misinterpretation and also I will try and make a brief sketch of a client’s issue
and legal questions so as to have a detailed research.

LETTER WRITING

After completing my legal research on client matter 099 ,I was tasked with
drafting a formal advice letter .this was my first time writing a legal advice
for a client and not a legal person ,I became mindful of the language used
with more clarity for client understanding. The purpose of the research was
to explain the relevant legal framework and provide clear guidance on their
options.

I felt both excitement and fearfulness’ was excited to put my research into
practical use but at the same time worried about misinterpreting the law.
Writing for a client and not a legal person meant that I should refrain from
using legal language but rather maintaining a straight forward language
hence putting me under pressure.

One of the strengths of my draft was its structure as I followed the template
provided by the law clinic which made my letter to flow and be
logical .However my first draft still had some grammatical errors ,which were
pinpointed out by the supervisor and I made corrections accordingly.
This task highlighted the importance of understanding audience in legal
writing, client letters requires one to avoid using legal jargon and also it
revealed the importance of proofreading ones work.

Drafting the client advice taught me that a professional tone, and clarity are
important in a legal world .in future I will make sure to draft a plain language
letter and continue to use availed templates. Importantly I will keep in my
mind clients view and draft accordingly.

TEAM WORK

Throughout the clinic ,team work played an important role .one example was
our work on client matter number ES104 where the client requested us to
help her write a letter to the local council requesting for an inspection on her
business premises. The client was not impressed with the letter that was
drafted at the first time, we draft Ed again and she was still not impressed.
We then took it upon ourselves to work as a team so that we draft a tight
proof letter that our client would be impressed with. The decision to work as
a team to research and draft as a team yielded positive results as our clients
was so happy and impressed with the final draft of the letter.

I was confident with my assigned team members as we came from the same
lecture room .However, when there were misunderstandings, I was so
uncertain on how to raise my concerns without looking out as a bully.
However ,I became focused and was able to resolve issues amicably.

The team work aspect had positive elements on it as we divided tasks

equally and maintained communication on our individual progresses. I was
able to understand that giving out clear expectations before team work and
understanding them is important. The Law Clinic also taught me that for a
fruitful team work ,there should be clear communication, active listening and
willingness to work without being pushed.
In future for a successful team work, I will clearly communicate and also train
my emotional intelligence so that I calmly respond to misunderstandings.

PROFESSIONALISM AND EMPLOYABILITY SKILSS

The law clinic module required professionalism at all times, which include
managing deadlines, maintaining client confidentiality, clear communication
with clients. At one time ,my professionalism got tested when I missed firm
meetings for a couple of days due to personal reasons and I missed out on
drafting of client matter number ES 104 letter. I had informed my supervisor
of my personal commitments and she helped me together with my firm
members so that I catch up with what they have already done on my
absence.

When I realized that I am missing deadlines because of that ,I became

frustrated. I was so concerned that my team will be let down. I felt relieved
when I learnt that they were able to push through deadlines even on my
absence. This incident made me realize that being professional does not only
include meeting deadlines, wearing formal wear only but clear
communication and taking accountability of your actions.

Throughout the module ,I demonstrated professionalism through punctuality

and reliability, I was always available to take tasks even after hours. I
maintained high attendance and met deadlines. I contributed ideas and
asked questions were appropriate. From missing a client deadline, I learnt
accountability and problem management.

I came to realize that professionalism involves time management,

interpersonal skills and resilience,example;preparing for meetings ,checking
in supervisor feedback from time to time and being engaged on tasks even
after hours. The experience gave me a clear understanding of what working
in a legal profession entails.
Going forward, I plan to use time management tools effectively, I will
continue to develop my communication and leadership skills.Additionally,I
will grow my professionalism by attending some workshops to broaden my
understanding of the legal world.