SLIIT’s Law Degree sets up country’s first new ‘Law Clinic’ offering a solid ground to practice law

Uniquely placed to provide students with the opportunity to observe law in action from their very first year, Liverpool John Moores University’s LLB (Hons) Law program at SLIIT has a promising initiative to setup a SLIIT Law Clinic which will enable the students to gain solid experience in practicing law.

A fully franchised and a fully qualifying three-year UK Law degree program conducted at SLIIT, consists of core modules including the fundamentals of English law, with options to specialise in human rights, commercial law, financial crimes, international law etc.

Differentiating from other law programs offered in the country, the LJMU LLB (Hons) Degree presents a new syllabus with practice-oriented modules focusing on fast developing areas in law such as mediation, alternative dispute resolution i.e., settling disputes outside of the courtroom, negotiation etc.

Another special feature of the degree program is that it offers modules known as Clinical Legal Education mainly in the second and the third years of study. These modules are designed for the students to engage with senior lawyers and to gain practical experience of actual legal issues.

Helping students to gain invaluable client experience, Law Clinic set up under the SLIIT’s LJMU LLB (Hons) Degree is a promising initiative first time ever in the country. The newly setup SLIIT Law Clinic, with Senior Lawyers onboard, will provide legal advice and aid to clients. Initially, students are expected to observe the proceedings and progress in getting involved, gaining valuable experience in conducting client consultations, drafting documents, counselling, etc.

Managed by SLIIT, at the Law Clinic, senior lawyers will undertake pro bono work to guide the students ensuring they receive quality exposure. Additionally, the Law Clinic will be counted as a module for students under their Clinical Legal Education curriculum. Students will undertake assessments including writing journals on their learnings.

The SLIIT Law Clinic operates on the premise of supporting students develop their practical skills while contributing towards improving access to justice within the local community at the same time.

A Moot Court is also available at SLIIT School of Law providing students with the experience of mock trials, written and oral advocacy involving current real-world legal issues. Students can argue cases in a set-up of a real court using the techniques and processes of real lawyers equipping them with much-needed advocacy skills.

Distinguished and an eminent academic in the field of law Prof. Naganathan Selvakkumaran serves as the Head of the SLIIT School of Law. The School of Law provides the students with an opportunity to learn under a qualified and well-experienced panel of lecturers with further opportunities of meeting recognised law practioners who deliver guest lectures providing students with added exposure.

Once completed, the degree will transform the undergraduates into legal professionals equipped to compete not only locally but also in the global arena. The degree is also accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board UK, enabling them to become a lawyer in the UK, and practise law anywhere in the UK. 

Additionally, the degree has gained the formal recognition from the Council of Legal Education, Sri Lanka and students can augment their careers by passing the Sri Lanka Law College examinations opening up their career pathway towards becoming practicing Attorneys-at-Law in Sri Lanka.

The SLIIT offered LJMU LLB (Hons) degree is recognised by the University Grants Commission of the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) under the Universities Act. SLIIT is also a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) as well as the International Association of Universities (IAU).