STUDENT ADVICE CLINIC
At the end of 2012, after having over coming various hurdles, SLSJ managed to get a student advice program off the ground. Initially we wanted to have students working at the Elsiesriver Adivce Office giving advice, after having undergone an intensive two day training program. This Student Advice Program was then criticized by higher authority.
We then began looking into various other options and eventually settled on mobile student advice clinics. Given the lack of support from qualified legal practitioners, the scope of the advice clinics were very narrow. We underwent a practical drafting course and drafted wills for the community of Heideveld and gave basic advice on school fees rebates and the application process.
2014 brings the same goal but fresh ideas of ways in which we can broaden the scope of our clinics whilst not falling into the inherent pit falls of student advice giving. We intend on running the Student Advice Clinic (SAC) for years to come.
After having under gone the relevant training we booked a venue in the community, organized transport for our students, secured the attendance of the South African Police to serve as commissioners of oaths and then advertized in a local community newspaper and at the schools in the vicinity. We will be doing our advice clinics in collaboration with a certified pro bona service providers and the UWC legal Aid Clinic. In doing so we hope to secure the attendance of qualified attorneys. This will allow us to then broaden the scope of the issues we as students can deal with.
In short, by setting up the advice clinic, our students get to have a bash at issues before the attorneys. The students work is then reviewed by the attorney who can choose to take on the case as pro bono work or refer the client to the right NGO, government department or advice clinic to follow up.
The various topics which will be covering throughout the year are: drafting wills, school fees rebates, application for government grants, consumer protection, family matters and labour disputes. As the years go on we will broaden this list.
We encourage all law students and students in general to join this program as it gives a practical view point and prepares all students for what they can possibly expect out of the legal profession and the social community and of course we have an opportunity to give back to the communities.
- Taariq Waja
Head of the Student Advice Clinic
UWC Committee 2014
We then began looking into various other options and eventually settled on mobile student advice clinics. Given the lack of support from qualified legal practitioners, the scope of the advice clinics were very narrow. We underwent a practical drafting course and drafted wills for the community of Heideveld and gave basic advice on school fees rebates and the application process.
2014 brings the same goal but fresh ideas of ways in which we can broaden the scope of our clinics whilst not falling into the inherent pit falls of student advice giving. We intend on running the Student Advice Clinic (SAC) for years to come.
After having under gone the relevant training we booked a venue in the community, organized transport for our students, secured the attendance of the South African Police to serve as commissioners of oaths and then advertized in a local community newspaper and at the schools in the vicinity. We will be doing our advice clinics in collaboration with a certified pro bona service providers and the UWC legal Aid Clinic. In doing so we hope to secure the attendance of qualified attorneys. This will allow us to then broaden the scope of the issues we as students can deal with.
In short, by setting up the advice clinic, our students get to have a bash at issues before the attorneys. The students work is then reviewed by the attorney who can choose to take on the case as pro bono work or refer the client to the right NGO, government department or advice clinic to follow up.
The various topics which will be covering throughout the year are: drafting wills, school fees rebates, application for government grants, consumer protection, family matters and labour disputes. As the years go on we will broaden this list.
We encourage all law students and students in general to join this program as it gives a practical view point and prepares all students for what they can possibly expect out of the legal profession and the social community and of course we have an opportunity to give back to the communities.
- Taariq Waja
Head of the Student Advice Clinic
UWC Committee 2014