Innovations in an Australian Clinical Legal Education Program: Students Making a Difference in Generating Positive Change

Abstract

This paper will examine why in my view student lawyers who one day soon will be fully-fledged practitioners have a vital role in law reform. It will firstly draw on some of the commentary on the topic and then discuss the program I run at the West Heidelberg Community Legal Service (the legal service) which seeks to actively encourage students to view law reform as their responsibility as lawyers in the community. I should state that the approach of the law reform projects of the clinic I will discuss are still a “work in progress” as we are constantly refining and developing the process to heighten its effectiveness on those who make the laws and administer the laws which impact upon the community.