LawWorks Clinics Network Conference 2019

Presented by: Alan East, Coventry University. This workshop provided an overview of the new route to qualification through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination. There was discussion about the process and qualifying work element, and continued issues of concern.

• SQE Update slides

Presented by: Nathan Fitzpatrick, Bristol Law Centre, Alison Lamb; RCJ Advice & Citizens Advice Islington. This workshop addressed queries relating to insurance, managing volunteers’ expectations, keeping volunteers motivated and the safeguards to consider when looking at risk. 

• Managing and supporting volunteers slides

Presented by: Angela Cahill, BPP University; Francine Ryan, Open University. 

• Giving advice via remote access systems slides

Presented by: Richard Pitkethly, LawWorks; Patrick Reeve, Solicitors Regulation Authority. This workshop introduced the main changes being introduced by the SRA's Handbook reforms due to come into effect on November 29th, with particular reference to non-profit advice providers, in house solicitors (including those employed by universities), unreserved/reserved activities, and the general policy context.

• SRA Regulatory developments slides

Presented by: Prof. Richard Owen, Swansea University; Lindsey Poole, Advice Services Alliance. This workshop encouraged us to be open to analysing what cases are coming into clinics versus what ought to be (based on the area) and doing something about it. Using big data and local knowledge clinics can try to ensure they are accessible to all.

• Mapping unmet need in the community slides

Presented by: Andrew Barton, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP; Alan Russell, London South Bank University. In this workshop the presenters shared their experiences of running two different types of clinics; an appointment based service operated and staffed by volunteers from a law firm, and a drop in service hosted by a university where students provide advice. The presenters discussed the practicalities of running these services, as well as how they train and supervise their volunteers.

• Comparing models of clinics slides

Presented by: Milla Gregor, Consultant; James Sandbach, LawWorks. Following on from the morning's presentation on key data trends accross the clinics network, this workshop explored in more depth how LawWorks collects and uses clinics data to influence policy, and in particular the client outcomes data from the Better Information Project. 

• Policy voice: using clinics data to achieve change slides

Presented by: Nathan Fitzpatrick, Bristol Law Centre; Elizabeth Hodgetts, Barrister and ELIPS volunteer

• Developing casework and representation clinics slides

Presented by: Nicola Antoniou, University of East London; Liz Hardie, Open University; Eleanor Scarlett, University of East London. This workshop provided examples of the type of technology that clinics might consider using to improve pro bono advice. It considered the CLIO case management system, Intralinks document management, Fast SMS for client reminders, Slack messaging and Trello project management. The workshop covered online enquiry forms and how tech can help with supervision and project management.

• Tech tools for running clinics slides