On 7 June 2017, people from throughout Scotland with an interest in the student law clinic sector and pro bono legal work more generally gathered at Glasgow Caledonian University for the Scottish University Law Clinic Network (SULCN) annual conference.
Malcolm Combe, chair of SULCN and a lecturer at the School of Law at the University of Aberdeen, explains what happened on the day.
“Individuals from all sectors, and most importantly students, learned what activities are already taking place across the universities and listened to presentations and panel sessions about challenges and opportunities that are being faced in Scotland today. The event was both practical and aspirational, giving students, academics and supporters plenty to think about but also take-home lessons that can be implemented quickly,” he said.
Louise Sloan and Sophie Mills, the current Student Director and Deputy Student Director of the Aberdeen Law Project, were in attendance. This is what Louise had to say about the day.
"Sophie and I both had a great time at the SULCN conference. The speakers and workshops on using technology to improve and enhance legal services were both interesting and informative. We are already thinking of ways in which we can implement what we learned to further the outreach of the Aberdeen Law Project."
Mr Combe added: “Thanks to all contributors to the day, including Mungo Bovey QC who highlighted the Faculty of Advocates’ Free Legal Services Unit in his keynote address and the Law Society of Scotland who sponsored the wine reception and Rob Marrs of the society delivered the now traditional session on Street Law. A special thanks also to all the team at Glasgow Caledonian University for making the day run so smoothly, particularly Ian Laing, Patricia Taylor said Claire McFadzean.”
Claire McFadzean, a lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University, said:
“GCU Law Clinic was delighted to host the SULCN annual conference in 2017. Our theme was 'Access to Justice - beyond the campus' with a focus on how technology might support this. We were thrilled so many distinguished speakers were able to participate on the day and it was lovely to welcome LLB students from across Scotland, who came together to learn and exchange ideas about law clinics and our role within the community.”
You can find out more about SULCN here. Details of the 2017 conference itself can be found here.