New Zealand's University of Canterbury has introduced a new clinical legal education scheme to formally recognise pro bono work done by law students. Clinical legal education is an innovative teaching method in law schools which incorporates practical skills and real life experience. The Law Faculty's Dean Dr Chris Gallavin has modelled the scheme on similar initiatives in American Ivy League universities. For example, at Harvard Law School students are encouraged to "challenge and work on the big issues facing their communities, their country and our world".
Students will be required to complete at least 100 hours of paid or pro bono legal work before graduating. There are also plans to introduce a two-tiered honours list at graduation recognizing students who have completed more than 400 hours pro bono work as well as those who have completed more than 750 hours.
Commenting on the initiative, Dr Gallavin said “I am determined to ensure that we are not just a degree machine. We are here to make a difference”.
Click here to read an article in the New Zealand Herald.
PILA believes that clinical legal education initiatives should have a public interest law focus. Several Irish law schools currently run clinical legal education programmes which directly benefit some of the most marginalised members of society. For example, NUI Galway runs a programme which provides “students with practical skills and experience and to instil in them an understanding of how law can be used in the public interest to benefit marginalised and disadvantaged people.” Participating students have completed placements at a range of governmental and non-governmental organizations including the Equality Authority and the Rape Crisis Network Ireland. Students at Griffith College Dublin have the opportunity to take part in the Innocence Project, a programme which seeks the exoneration of prisoners who may have been wrongfully convicted.
Click here to read more about clinical legal education in Ireland.