This talk described what clinical legal education is and how it fits in the context of the wider pro bono sector. Fran showcased the work of the award-winning Queen Mary Legal Advice Centre. The talk concluded with a look at the impact of the new routes to qualifying as a solicitor and how these impact student law clinics.
Frances Ridout is a Senior Lecturer and practising Barrister in the Law School at QMUL. She is the Director of the Queen Mary Legal Advice Centre (QMLAC) which is one of the largest student law clinics in the country. Frances oversees the running of the QMLAC and leads on matters of clinical legal education and pro bono. Prior to working at the QMLAC Frances was a criminal barrister at the independent bar. She practised from 15 New Bridge Street Chambers where she remains an associate tenant. She has dedicated her career to working in the legal aid sector and/or for the pursuit of social justice and continues to work to promote access to justice in the legal sector. Frances also co-hosts the legal careers and education podcast, ReImagine Law which aims at democratising information on the legal profession to all.