Students starting at the Law Clinic in Bristol are to be supported by senior lawyers and trainee solicitors from international legal practice Osborne Clarke’s city office.
The partnership between the clinic the firm – which has its roots in Bristol – comes at a time of significant growth for the Law Clinic with cuts to Legal Aid resulting in a three-fold increase in cases over the past two years. 
Law Clinic director John Peake said: “The training and mentoring package Osborne Clarke will be providing comes at a critical time for the Clinic.
“It will help us continue to expand the service, whilst fulfilling our commitment to students by providing them with the support they need.”
Osborne Clarke will initially provide Law Clinic students with advice on practical skills such as writing for clients, how to conduct an interview, team working and more.
This will be followed up with ongoing mentoring by trainee solicitors throughout the year.
Osborne Clarke’s relationship with the law clinic will be managed by legal director Sarah Knight.
Osborne Clarke’s Bristol office head Peter Clough, pictured, said: “There is a lack of access to justice for many people in Bristol and the South West.
“We take our responsibilities as a major local business seriously and we are delighted to be able to support such a valuable community resource, which will also serve to help nurture the next generation of lawyers.”
The Law Clinic is part of the University of Bristol Law School, a top-four UK Law School for Employability according to the 2017 Guardian University Guide.
The opportunity to provide pro-bono advice, combined with the support students receive from academics and alumni plays a significant role in preparing them for careers beyond university.
John Peake added: “We are very excited by the partnership with Osborne Clarke. It will enable the clinic to take on more students this year, and compliments the support they are already receiving from academics at the Law School.”
