Curriculum beyond the classroom
Volunteering alongside qualified solicitors has given me real-world experience. Here’s how I’m preparing for a career in law
By law student Sophia Langdon
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I've spent a semester volunteering in Bond Law Clinic — a pro-bono law clinic offering advice across a wide range of legal matters which I've had the opportunity to work on, alongside an experienced solicitor.
I began as a volunteer in September 2023, and I had such an amazing experience that I requested to extend my volunteering for another semester. My role consists of assisting our solicitors in client interviewing before writing up file notes on the client’s legal issue, followed by a draft letter of advice. In doing so, I am required to conduct further legal research. The depth of research and time required varies from case to case.
I've already gained hands-on experience in helping to resolve or draft advice across a wide range of matters. One of the very first cases I worked on was a neighbourhood dispute. This case highlighted the many ways we as lawyers, and future lawyers, can help others. The issue at hand was not necessarily complex or in-depth, but I could see just how much it meant to the client. In many cases, people are frustrated or scared and just need someone to listen and offer a third-party perspective. We were able to provide the client with an assortment of options and, in turn, put the client at ease. Another case I was involved with concerned a small business. What seemed like a trifling, treatable issue to the client, turned out to be quite complex and had the potential to land them in some considerable legal trouble. I find, as a law student, that it is easy to fall into the belief that everyone has a grasp of the law when, in reality, it can be complicated and daunting to many. It was rewarding to know that we were able to use our knowledge to inform the client of the scope of their situation and provide him with appropriate steps forward to improve his situation.
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Using my course work to assist with cases
In some cases, the legal issue at hand and the content of my courses would overlap. I found in many cases that applying content I had learnt, sometimes only the week before, to these cases aided my understanding. Applying theoretical concepts to the very real issues of real people helped me immensely to wrap my mind around complex areas of my study. In instances where the case was beyond my understanding, I had the input of our principal solicitor Sara who explained and walked me through it. While the commitment to volunteering in the clinic is not overly onerous, it has required the development of my time management skills. Juggling work, school, social life, and the clinic is difficult, but learning to foster balance between conflicting responsibilities is invaluable in all areas of life.
Applying theoretical concepts to the very real issues of real people helped me immensely to wrap my mind around complex areas of my study.
— Law student Sophia Langdon
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During a law degree, the primary focus is on theoretical legal concepts and hypothetical situations. Within that, the emphasis tends to be on the worst-case scenario, however, in practise this isn’t always the case. On many occasions I have entered a client interview with a complicated view of the legal issue at hand only to be grounded by the reality that many issues we see at the clinic often have simple solutions. Working with the other party to come to a mutual agreement tends to be the catch-all for most of the cases I have worked on. Of course, this isn’t always the case.
Law can often be an isolating career. We often feel as though we must do everything alone. While autonomy is important, asking for help is crucial for our development as law students. The Bond Law Clinic is a supportive and relaxed environment where asking questions is encouraged and support is always readily available.
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I'm better equipped to begin my legal career
Admittedly, I was hesitant to apply for the Bond Law Clinic, I had many preconceived beliefs regarding the work I would be required to complete as a volunteer there. However, a semester later, I am glad I did. Taking that first step of giving your time to the clinic not only plays a pivotal role in helping the community but also better equips you as an individual at the beginning of a law career. Imposter Syndrome is experienced widely among law students, including myself. It is easy to become immersed in the idea that we are not at the required level of intelligence or ability, but the clinic is exactly the place to challenge those beliefs. The first step is always the hardest but the most rewarding so I encourage all law students to take it. Now, I feel better equipped and encouraged to take the next steps in my legal career.
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Learn more about Bond Law Clinic
Find out more about how Bond Law Clinic helps the community while giving students real-world experience. You can request an appointment or make an enquiry about volunteering.
People Involved
Meet Bond Law Clinic Principal Solicitor
Sara Loughnan
Principal Solicitor of Bond Law Clinic