‘Law outside the vacuum’ – An ethnographic study of knowledge & epistemic practice within a university law clinic

Law does not operate in a vacuum in neatly delineated areas of law yet it is taught like this on many law degrees. Whilst this method of teaching can provide knowledge of legal rules and the specific skills to meticulously research, interpret and apply the law, it does not usually highlight how messy the law can be and the detrimental impact it can have upon people’s lives. The vocational stage of training for solicitors does go some way to providing an idea of practising the law, however real life experience does not form any requirement. The only real life experiential learning for prospective solicitors is spent during time on a training contract often based in a legal firm under the supervision of a solicitor and away from any educational establishment