Ethical Practice and Clinical Legal Education

Abstract

This article is designed to explore a variety of ways in which clinical methods can achieve the goals of educators and the professions in the preparation of student lawyers. In particular I intend to show how clinical methods assist in the development of: 

• a deeper understanding of the law, and the law in context;

• general transferable skills;

• legal professional skills;

• a sound values basis for ethical practice.

In addition, I hope to show that there are ways of using clinical methods which may also assist us to meet other social concerns such as the extension of legal services and individual knowledge of rights, throughout the community.