During this session, contributors outlined the need for pro bono advice for small businesses, addressed eligibility criteria and evidencing, where clients come from and how partnerships are, and the benefits to law firms and students.
Omar Madhloom from the University of Bristol acknowledged that where these clinics are university-led, student learning outcomes need to be addressed.
Emily Wapples from qLegal at Queen Mary, University of London shared how working with over 300 students and 120 lawyers demanded a shift from a more agile approach to putting in place various processes and procedures. Felicity Kirk from Ropes & Gray, involved in qLegal stressed the benefits to lawyers involved in small business clinics and pro bono more generally. Both highlighted the importance of open communication channels.
Takeaways:
- Manage client expectations where needed through eligibility criteria
- Partnering with universities or advertising at universities
- Continued dialogue with external stakeholders
Thank you to our speakers: Sonja Dale, Felicity Kirk, Omar Madhloom and Emily Wapples.