Practical Law 400

1. Practical Law 400 Enquiries: Frik Grobler 012 420 2356 frikkie.grobler@up.ac.za

2. Law Clinic Vision and Mission The Law Clinic strives to be a world class clinic in Africa and to contribute to the Faculty of Law achieving its goals to: • Use the practice of law (simulated and actual) as a context to teach and research substantive and procedural law, ethics, professional skills, effective interpersonal relations, appropriate dispute resolution techniques and the ability to integrate law, fact, procedure and values. • Provide quality legal services to the financially disadvantaged, thereby increasing access to justice • Promote access to, and transformation of the organized legal profession by providing opportunities and training to candidate attorneys and final year students. • Foster a commitment in staff and students to build a society based on democratic values, social justice and the rule of law.

3. Practical Law 400 entails • A compulsory intensive two day workshop held off-campus in February • A classroom component of one hour per week during which time the lecturer meets with the entire group of clinic students and offers instruction through various media, covering aspects of substantive and procedural law, skills and values • A practical component which involves students consulting and advising clients. They also engage in research of facts and law aimed at problem solving, drafting of letters, notices and pleadings, negotiation with other parties and legal representatives and learning skills at both theoretical and practical level, ranging from the opening and closing of a file to managing a case. All of the above is done under supervision of clinic attorneys who provide constant feedback

4. Benefits: Law students in the clinical setting • Acquire legal, transferable and personal skills • Develop practical knowledge of legal rules and procedures • Apply acquired theoretical knowledge in an integrated working context • Develop self-confidence • Have a distinct advantage over students not enrolled for Practical Law when applying for articles

5. Benefits: The Community • Has improved access to legal services, in many cases getting access to justice that would otherwise not be available to them at all • Members are empowered through their interaction with students and clinicians

6. Benefits: The Legal Profession • Receives better graduates in terms of ability, experience and values • Is assisted in reaching its goals relating to access to, and transformation of, the profession

7. Benefits: Government and its legal aid agencies • Are supported in providing legal aid • Share in University resources through partnerships

8. Comments from Past Students(see video for more) • “My final remark is that the experience at the Law Clinic has provided me with an advantage in getting articles” • “My work at the Clinic has been a valuable experience. It has taught me communication skills with not only clients but with colleagues as well. I have made a lot of new friends via the Clinic” • “My work at the Clinic has been a valuable experience. It has taught me communication skills with not only clients but with colleagues as well. I have made a lot of new friends via the Clinic”

9. … Comments from Past Students “Thanks for all the help with regard to everything this year. Practical Law has truly opened my eyes to what the real world is about and the experiences I have shared at the clinic have definitely made me believe that this is indeed the most beneficial subject the University can offer to 4th year LLB students. Frik and Lourens have been incredible mentors and I have learnt a lot. I will take with me a little piece of the Law Clinic that will hopefully stand me in good stead for the future. I wish you all of the best for the future and would just like to reiterate that I am truly blessed and grateful for the constant support, motivation and insight that you have shared with me this year.”