Clinical programs KLC

Kingsford Legal Centre is a law clinic which is part of the Faculty of Law of the University of New South Wales. The Centre provides a clinical teaching environment for law students and social work law students. Students work with centre lawyers in acting for members for the local community who cannot afford private legal assistance.

The Kingsford Legal Centre provides legal advice in a wide variety of matters and takes on cases in areas such as:

• Domestic Violence
• Discrimination
• Housing
• Wills and Estates
• Employment
• Debt
• Criminal Law
• Victims Compensation

The subjects:

• Clinical Legal Experience (Intensive) (course codes LAWS3303 / JURD7303)
• Clinical Legal Experience (course codes LAWS3304 / JURD7304)
• Clinical Program Employment Law (course codes LAWS3305 / JURD7305)
• Family Law Clinic (course codes LAWS3240 / JURD7540)

require students to work at the Centre and are electives for later year law students. Students can take a subject in either session or over summer. During their time in the centre students:

• Manage files under the supervision of lawyers
• Take instructions from clients
• Prepare necessary documents
• Undertake legal research
• Assist the lawyer responsible for the matter in the preparation of any Court hearings
• Run education sessions for community workers and the general public, and
• Participate in law reform and policy work

In this way, students can consolidate their study of the law by practical application. Small group classes and constant consultation with the lawyers provide an opportunity for students to analyse both their roles as lawyers and the role of law in the society.

Objectives of the Clinical Programs are as follows:

• To develop students' critical appreciation of the law and legal system in Australia through participation in a legal practice working for clients who are financially or otherwise disadvantaged.
• To enhance students' contextual understanding of the law and legal process by exposing them to real clients with legal problems.
• To provide students with a detailed understanding of the legal aid system and develop students' understanding of issues of access to the legal system for the Australian community.
• To develop students' awareness of the role of lawyers in practice in the legal system.
• To develop students' understanding of ethics and responsibility in a workplace setting.
• To introduce students to the importance of developing basic legal skills to a high level of proficiency including communication, interviewing, drafting and negotiation.
• To develop students' ability to see beyond a casework approach to legal problems by providing opportunities to participate in campaign and education work.
• To encourage students to see the law as a vehicle which can be used to protect and develop human rights.

Teaching Methods for the Clinical Programs

Students attend the Centre for up to two days a week from 9am to 5pm each day. Students are given responsibility for running legal files under the supervision of a staff solicitor. Cases are taken on by the centre for clients who cannot afford a private solicitor and where there is no other source of assistance or where the centre has a particular expertise (for instance in discrimination matters). Students are required to draft letters, undertake legal research, interview clients, draft affidavits, statutory declarations, court documents, letters of advice and attend courts with solicitors and Counsel. Students are expected to use their initiative to develop proposals for action to be taken on files in conjunction with the responsible solicitor. Students are responsible for responding to public enquiries for assistance and providing effective referrals to other sources of legal and non-legal assistance.

Some of the things that students have said about studying at KLC

"This was one of the most important things I had to do in terms of experiencing the law."

"The best part of the law school and its degree. Great to get practical experience in a range of areas, work closely with staff and students as a team."

"This has by far been the best course I have done during my time at law school. It has taught me so much about being a lawyer."

"This is a terrific course, definitely the best I've done so far. A real understanding of the issues at the real end of the law, an ability to interview effectively, great memories of my time here."

"It gave me an insight into what kind of lawyer I want to be and I also realised a larger range of career options that I had previously not thought of."

"Choosing to do KLC as a subject in my final session of law school was a fantastic choice. KLC gives you an instant education in real life, real legal issues and real people. Having your own clients ensures we all had immediate involvement and practical experience. The interview sessions broaden your legal knowledge as well as teaching you the importance of effective communication. KLC should be a compulsory subject because it has been an invaluable part of my law degree. The people make the experience even greater. KLC is at times hard work, but always fun and there is a strong support network of fellow students and solicitors."

How to apply for a Clinical Program

Students complete a KLC/PG courses open to UG students Application Form (applications currently CLOSED) and email it to law@unsw.edu.au during the application period for the upcoming semester in which you wish to participate in the program. Participation in Clinical Legal Experience Program is by competitive application and selection is based primarily on academic merit. Students who are nearing completion of their degree program at the time of applying are given preference over other applicants, as are students who are most efficient in submitting their application during the relevant application period.

When to apply

Students can complete a Clinical Legal Experience Program during Semester 1, Semester 2 or Summer of each year, and there is an application period before each and every intake, around the time of enrolment for that upcoming intake. Application dates for each intake will be advertised to students via email and on this website at the time application opens. Applications for this program are currently CLOSED.