Law Clinic for students
Find out how students can engage with the Law Clinic.
Why should students get involved with the Law Clinic?
The University University Law Clinic gives students the opportunity to work on real legal issues, gaining practical experience alongside their studies. By supporting clients under professional supervision, students develop essential skills in legal research, client communication, problem-solving, and case preparation.
The Law Clinic also enhances employability, builds confidence, and provides valuable insight into legal practice, while students make a meaningful contribution to access to justice in the community.
How you can get involved
Students can engage with Ulster University Law Clinic in a number of ways.
Undergraduate Legal Practice Module
Second year undergraduate law students may apply for a place on the Legal Practice module. As part of this credited module, students can request a Law Clinic placement as their preferred option.
Migration Policy Clinic (Volunteering Opportunity)
Students with an interest in migration law may apply to volunteer with the Migration Policy Clinic, contributing to research and policy-focused work in this area.
SQE work experience approved
Time spent working in the Ulster University Law Clinic may count as Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) for the purposes of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route to qualification in England and Wales.
QWE is a key requirement set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and is designed to ensure that aspiring solicitors gain practical, real-world legal experience. Work undertaken in a law clinic can contribute towards this requirement, provided it enables students to develop some or all of the prescribed solicitor competences.
For full details on QWE requirements, students should refer to guidance provided by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Through their placement in the Law Clinic, students may have the opportunity to:
- Interview and advise clients
- Undertake legal research and drafting
- Manage case files and progress matters
- Develop professional and ethical awareness.
All work is carried out under appropriate supervision, ensuring a structured and supportive learning environment aligned with professional standards.
Client Interviewing
Under the guidance of lecturer Melissa McKee, students will be given the opportunity to represent Ulster University in competitions such as The International Client Consultation Competition (ICCC). Within this competition students are given the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland in both national and if successful the international competition. Successful students are given the opportunity to showcase client facing abilities, and to highlight the strength of legal education and client-focused practice in UU.
The international competition spans over four days, consisting of multiple rounds of client consultation involving complex legal disputes. Students face complex issues on a given subject. Each consultation simulates a real-world client interview, requiring students to go beyond identifying legal issues and focus on understanding the client's concerns and providing practical advice.
If successful students will progress through to the international competition (as in 2025 in Glasgow and 2026 in Croatia) . Students are judged by an international panel of judges with the message being: clients are less interested in legal jargon than they are in clear and practical next steps. The ICCC reinforces the centrality of clear and concise communication in effective legal practice and client care.
The ICCC strengthens confidence and develops an understanding of what effective legal practice truly requires.
For more information contact Melissa Mckee: m.mckee@ulster.ac.uk.
