From the beginning, the clinic was shaped by real community need. STC had seen first-hand how many of their clients were struggling to find legal help, especially with housing and family issues, and this became the clinic’s focus. Today, it provides advice across housing, family and selected small claims cases, from possession proceedings and disrepair to divorce, child arrangements and non-molestation orders.
In its first year, the clinic has held 129 client appointments and issued 110 detailed advice letters. A further 151 people received tailored signposting through online queries, supported by resources from the Pro Bono Committee’s Wales group. Referrals have come from all corners of the community: family officers in local schools, GP practices, NHS teams and mental health networks such as the Hamadryad Centre. Clients have found their way to the clinic through these networks, through word of mouth, and sometimes just by scrolling on social media. With both remote and in-person appointments available, its reach now extends across Wales.
Behind each statistic is a person who has been listened to, supported and empowered to take the next step. One housing client, a single mother caring for her autistic adult son, was terrified of losing her home. With advice from the clinic, she was able to file her defence with a payment proposal, resulting in a suspended possession order on her terms.
[The Law Clinic] was magnificent. The service I had was great, they went above and beyond. They helped me with everything...
Another client, facing ongoing divorce proceedings, had stopped attending court because he could no longer afford legal representation. The clinic helped him understand the process, arranged support from an STC volunteer for his next hearing, and helped him avoid further costs.
For the student advisors, this work has been just as transformative:
My pro bono work this year has been the highlight of my undergraduate degree and I am sincerely grateful to the team! I take such pride in my role and I am certain that it has and will continue to shape my personal and professional life. - Hollie M
I remember one of the first few clients I advised - someone much older than me - telling me how much of a difference I had made in their lives. This struck me as I had not realised that my small sacrifice of a few hours a week could have such a significant impact. - Taona M
Over the past year, the clinic has also welcomed the Solicitor General for a visit and offered students the chance to shadow judges sitting at the Cardiff Civil and Family Court. Even through exam periods and university breaks, volunteers kept the Clinic running; proof of how deeply they believe in its mission.
The Cardiff University Law Clinic is one of more than 300 independent clinics supported through the LawWorks Clinics Network. Each one represents the same shared belief: that everyone deserves the chance to understand their rights and be heard. Together, these clinics form a community of pro bono practice across England and Wales, built on collaboration, compassion and a quiet but powerful commitment to access to justice.