New law clinics that give students the chance to gain hands-on experience while supporting people who might otherwise struggle to access legal assistance are being launched by the University of Chichester.
The initiatives will allow students to work on real-life cases alongside practising lawyers, helping them build their professional skills, expand their networks and enhance their career prospects. It also allows them to start completing their ‘Qualifying Work Experience’ component of qualifying to become a solicitor.
The first new opportunity is to work with the Freedom Law Clinic, an independent organisation that works with universities and legal professionals across the UK to investigate potential miscarriages of justice. Through a six-week placement, students will review case materials for serious criminal convictions and assist in the preparation of appeals where there may be grounds to challenge a conviction. Participants will also receive weekly online training sessions from practising lawyers, combining practical experience with specialist legal education.
The second initiative, the Personal Injury Clinic, is being delivered in partnership with Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors. Students will work with solicitors to assist members of the public looking for advice on personal injury cases by undertaking an initial assessment, meeting with the person, and providing written legal advice following this initial consultation. Where cases progress, students will have the chance to remain involved and observe the legal process alongside experienced solicitors.
The clinics form part of the University’s commitment to learning through experience, ensuring students develop the practical skills and professional confidence, alongside academic knowledge, to succeed.
The University of Chichester has a strong record of graduate success. According to the latest Graduate Outcomes survey, 100% of LLB Law graduates were in employment or further study, while 89% were in graduate-level roles, according to The Times Graduate Prospects Guide. It was also ranked first in the UK for student satisfaction in Law in the Complete University Guide 2026.
Chay Burt, Lecturer in Law, said: “The University of Chichester Law Department has always been committed to professional preparedness and developing employability. Our students have shown tremendous enthusiasm for these law clinics, demonstrating a clear appetite for higher education that goes beyond the classroom and provides opportunities to apply academic knowledge to real-world situations. We are extremely excited to work with our partners at Freedom Law Clinic and Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors.”
Dr Moitree Banerjee, Head of the School of Law, Business and Psychology, said: “The University of Chichester is committed to developing graduates who combine knowledge with purpose. Our law students are the future advocates, social enablers and changemakers who will help shape a fairer society, and we are proud to offer opportunities that allow them to gain hands-on experience from the beginning of their studies.”
For more information about law degrees, go to www.chi.ac.uk/law.