Through a unique opportunity in the School Exclusion Service, a sub-branch of The City Law School Law in Real Life service, I found myself stepping into a world that was as challenging as it was transformative. 

After submitting an application and being selected through a written process, I received two hours of training before being assigned to a partner and a supervising lecturer. Together, we were introduced to our client: a single mother whose son, a secondary school student with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), had been excluded after being accused of bringing a knife to school. Navigating this legal system can be a daunting process for families so it was a great opportunity to support a family through this.  

After a long process of the case being escalated through various processes, we joined at the point of the case going to the Independent Review Panel (IRP). The stakes felt high, this wasn’t a classroom exercise, this was someone’s life. 

Our preparation was extensive. We held a briefing with our supervisor, then a detailed call with the client. We were given documents outlining the legal process, as well as information about the student. We reviewed the materials and prepared an account of the events. Then, we advocated for the mother before the IRP; cross-examining the other side, observing body language and sentiment, and ultimately delivering closing statements. 

We faced challenges along the way; people questioning our place in the court, the intensity of two hours focused advocacy but we maintained focus on our clients and making sure they felt seen and heard.  

 The feedback we received confirmed what we hoped - we did right by her. Our client felt like she'd been represented. And for me, that feeling of fulfilment was unmatched. Throughout the experience, I kept in mind something that resonated deeply: a lawyer is a translator between life and the law. In that room, my role wasn’t about me. It was about clearly conveying my client’s reality. 

Volunteering in this legal aid clinic was more than gaining work experience. It was a reaffirmation of my purpose. Inspired by my mother’s long-standing commitment to volunteering, I’ve always wanted to be a barrister. This experience brought that dream into focus. I felt the adrenaline, the purpose, and the self-actualisation that comes from helping even one family navigate a difficult moment in their lives. 

It also gave me a very real taste of legal practice; learning to handle defensiveness, misunderstanding while staying composed.  

If you're a student considering volunteering, I can’t recommend it enough. It builds confidence, teaches irreplaceable skills, and reminds you why you chose this path. You gain insight into how the world truly works, something you’ll never get by only staying in the classroom. 

The experience even helped secure a mini-pupillage, where I referenced the clinic work in my application. But beyond career steps, it offered something deeper: a connection to purpose, and the knowledge that I helped make a real difference in someone’s life.