Join our 6 or 12 week programme to help a client challenge their conviction for a serious criminal offence, working as part of our volunteer casework team to identify possible routes to appeal. All of our work is carried out remotely, so you can participate from anywhere in the world.
For undergraduates, graduates and students on a BTC, LPC or SQE course we provide the opportunity to gain firsthand experience of complex criminal appeals cases, whilst developing invaluable practical skills and working remotely as part of a diverse casework team.
If you or someone you know has been convicted of a criminal offence and are considering an appeal or making an application to the CCRC, please click here.
Over the course of either 6 or 12 weeks, you will be reviewing a criminal appeals case where our client believes that they have been wrongfully convicted. You will be given a complete case file and asked to collaborate with your peers and the clinic team to identify potential grounds of appeal and help the client progress their case. Whether it is evaluating the impact of fresh evidence or researching and drafting new legal arguments, you are expected to take responsibility for your own work and ensuring that we meet each client’s needs.
You will meet with the clinic team remotely each week to discuss progress, exchange ideas and allow for any necessary supervision. We use a secure messaging platform so that everyone in the team can discuss the case between meetings.
The programme includes comprehensive learning materials dealing with the relevant aspects of criminal appeals as well as an introduction to criminal litigation and topics that you can expect to encounter on the LPC, SQE or bar training course. We also offer free mental health drop-in sessions and legal research workshops.
Subject to meeting our rigorous criteria, hours worked on the 12-week programme are eligible for sign-off as QWE for the SQE.
Sign up for our free welcome course. This introduces you to some of the basic knowledge you will need as part of the criminal appeals programme. It also explains how we work and what we expect from student caseworkers. It takes about an hour and a half to complete and at the end you get a certificate of completion.
Scroll down to find the registration link.
Complete the the free course and you will then receive instructions for joining the casework programme. We have start dates throughout the year, so choose a group that is convenient based on your availability.
Take part in the casework programme over either 6 or 12 weeks.
Decide if you would like to take part in follow up activities, including the opportunity to review a further criminal appeals case, help organise our monthly events or work on a mini project within the clinic.
This button adds the course to your virtual basket. You will need to go through the checkout process but will not be asked to pay.
Once you have completed your registration, you will receive instructions on how to access the materials by email.
