Rebecca Dyer

Some weeks ago, I said a goodbye to the law clinic as my academic studies drew to a close. My time in the clinic was easily the highlight of my university career.

The experience and knowledge I gained, not only as a student advisor working on cases and projects, but also as a firm coordinator, deputy student director, and student director consecutively, has had a pivotal impact on my academic studies and my employment.

I gained a variety of skills and experience which have enabled me to have at least a basic understanding of general processes in legal practice, client care, effective teamwork and collaboration, as well as the operational maintenance and development of an organisation.

Being able to work on cases helping people was one of the things I loved the most about the clinic, coupled with being part of the drive to deliver access to justice to those in need.

It can’t be ignored that being a member of the clinic also gave me the opportunity to meet new friends, to work and learn with solicitors from several areas of discipline, as well as working with and learning from the clinic staff. On that note, I would like to say a huge thank you to all clinic staff for their incredible support, encouragement, and time.

As I leave the law clinic, I begin my legal career as a trainee solicitor at Cavers & Co. Solicitors in Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to relocate from my hometown of Paisley to work for a busy high street firm practising in several areas of discipline, and their support and guidance so far has been amazing and invaluable. I am delighted to be doing my traineeship here, and I am excited to see what the future holds.

While I said goodbye to the law clinic, I know for sure that it’s more of a “see you later”, and I am looking forward to seeing what the clinic can achieve moving forward.

To students who remain members of the law clinic, keep up your fantastic work and never give up, and to those who are considering becoming a member of the clinic, I highly recommend that you do, you won’t regret it!