Real-world experience

Our pro bono scheme (work for the public good) gives you the chance to do real client work while having a positive impact on your community. The skills and experience you gain will give you a powerful start to your career. There are even opportunities to carry out this work as a module – so that the work you do counts towards your degree.

FreeLaw

Image: student studying and researching If you take part in FreeLaw you could be doing vital research for charities across South Yorkshire on social welfare. Lawyers from Irwin Mitchell work closely with you to build your legal expertise. You can also get involved in our free legal clinic. This is a weekly drop-in centre, which we run from The Lodge at our school. You'll work directly with members of the public, signposting your clients to where they can get help or carrying out legal research for them. Qualified solicitors from our school give you support and training throughout.

School of Law Innocence Project

Image: students study and research facts This project allows you to engage with real-life legal cases and learn from practising lawyers, forensic scientists and other experts. It's a unique opportunity to experience first-hand this area of criminal justice, while supporting people in your community.

Working as a team or individually on specific tasks, you'll investigate cases of convicted people who maintain their innocence and have exhausted the appeals process. You'll aim to find evidence that will help your client make an application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission so that their case can be referred back to the Court of Appeal. Throughout, you'll be mentored and trained by academic staff and practising solicitors.

Real life, real skills

The skills you develop will look impressive on your CV and will help you thrive in any work environment. You’ll be collaborating with your case team, thinking strategically and critically, and working with a wide range of people.

What could I be doing?

You could find yourself interviewing witnesses and the alleged victims, writing reports for solicitors and barristers, meeting with forensic scientists or organising exhibits for a trial. Here's a snapshot of some of the other responsibilities you might have.

Building evidence for an appeal to the Criminal Cases Review Commission to support a wrongful conviction.
Putting together funding bids.
Working with members of the public and people form a wide range of professions – police, prosecutors, criminal appeal lawyers and many more.
Handling confidential information – showing you're professional and trustworthy.
Using client databases.
Chairing meetings.
Managing your own time or even project managing the case.

The Sheffield School of Law Innocence project is part of a national initiative, Innocence Network UK.