In broad terms, Clinical Legal Education (CLE) can be defined as the study of law through real, or simulated, casework. It enables students to experience the law in action, and offers students an alternative learning experience to the traditional lecture/seminar method.
By reflecting on their experiences, students are able to take the study of law beyond the lecture theatre and library. CLE has been a part of English law schools for several decades and is becoming an increasingly popular component of a number of programmes. It is even more established in North America and Australia. In some law schools, CLE is credit bearing; in others, it is an extracurricular activity.
Some CLE schemes focus on social welfare law, whilst others are commercially orientated. A number are run in conjunction with third sector organisations and many are supported by private practice law firms.
This edited collection brings together academics, lawyers, third sector organisations and students to discuss the present experience and potential of CLE in light of the drivers of change set out above. As such, it will be of interest to a wide and diverse audience, both within and outside the UK.
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