My name is Bilal Nabi, and I’m a second-year Law LLB student at the University of Westminster. I’d like to share my experience as a student advisor at our University’s Legal Advice Clinic. Before I begin, I want to thank Rebecca Huerta, our Clinic Coordinator, for nominating me to write this blog post.
How the Clinic operates
The clinic runs during the academic year from September to May, split into two main periods: September to December and February to April. As a student advisor, you’re assigned specific slots during these periods for client appointments, with flexibility to confirm or reschedule based on your availability.
Preparing for client meetings
About a week before each appointment, we get access to client files through Clio – a software widely used in the legal industry for managing client information in compliance with GDPR (which governs the way a person’s data is handled). This gives us time to review the case, read through existing notes, and prepare questions for the upcoming meeting.
The client meeting experience
On appointment days, we arrive 30-60 minutes early to meet with the Lead Solicitor. These professionals specialise in different areas – from employment to family or housing law – depending on the case. During this pre-meeting consultation, we discuss the case and receive guidance on our prepared questions.
The actual client meetings last about an hour and can be either online or in-person. You’re typically joined by one or two other advisors and an observer. It’s crucial to remember that our clients are often dealing with sensitive issues like eviction threats, family difficulties, or workplace discrimination. This requires a compassionate, non-judgmental approach.
As student advisors, we focus on fact-finding during these initial meetings. It’s important to note that we’re not qualified to give legal advice – our role is to gather information and develop a thorough understanding of each case.
Post-meeting process
After meeting with clients, our team collaboratively drafts a letter incorporating relevant legal cases, statutes, and precedents. This draft goes to the lead solicitor for review, and we may go through several revisions before sending the final version to the client.
My personal growth and tips for anyone looking for law work experience
I’ll be honest – initially, I didn’t think I needed the clinic experience, believing I could find opportunities elsewhere. However, my time here has been invaluable for my professional development. For any Westminster Law student, I strongly recommend joining the clinic, and here’s why:
- It provides early practical experience in your legal journey
- You develop essential soft skills like empathy that can’t be learned from textbooks
- You strengthen crucial professional skills including legal research, communication, and teamwork
- You gain deeper insights into your strengths and areas for improvement
Volunteering at the Legal Advice Clinic isn’t just about gaining experience – it’s about expanding your professional network and building the foundation for a successful legal career. I encourage every student to take advantage of this opportunity.
About Westminster
As one of the most diverse universities in the UK, we are a global university with London energy, with more than 19,000 students from 169 countries. To find out more about our Law courses, visit our website.