From Possession Proceedings to a Fresh Start: A Student’s Reflection on assisting a client in a housing case at Kent Law Clinic
When I joined the Kent Law Clinic, I knew I wanted to make a difference, but I didn’t anticipate how closely I’d work with a client at such a pivotal moment in their life. I chose to do the Clinical Option module as one of my modules for my law degree; this involves working in the Law Clinic, assisting clients with legal problems.
What the Case Was About
The case I worked on involved a vulnerable tenant living in severely substandard housing conditions, including damp, mould, faulty electrics, and a lack of basic amenities. These issues negatively impacted her health and led to complications with rent payments, resulting in significant rent arrears and the threat of eviction after her landlord initiated possession proceedings. Our client had a strong defence to the landlord’s claim for possession; she also had grounds to bring a counterclaim against her landlord for breaches of his obligations.
At the same time, our client was seeking to be rehoused by the local council, who made this conditional on receiving a landlord’s reference confirming no rent arrears – a challenging request given the ongoing dispute. The Clinic helped resolve this deadlock by negotiating a settlement of the claims and drafting a carefully worded reference which the landlord agreed to provide, allowing our client to accept a new tenancy from the Council and avoid eviction.
My Role in the Case
I supported the supervising solicitor with legal research on tenancy rights, possession proceedings under the Housing Act 1988, and claims relating to the landlord’s breaches of his obligations to carry out repairs. I also helped review and understand the council’s housing allocation policy and discussed strategic options with the team (four students and our supervisor) to protect our client’s interests.
This was a hands-on experience where I saw the law applied with care, empathy, and attention to detail. What stood out was not just the legal complexity, but the importance of timing and clear communication with both the client and the opposing solicitor. I learned how legal problem-solving goes beyond black-letter law; it involves creative thinking, ethical judgment, and client-centred advocacy.
Why Students Should Get Involved in the Kent Law Clinic
Taking part in the Kent Law Clinic has been the most transformative part of my legal education. It is where theory meets practice, where you stop just studying the law and start using it.
Working with real clients facing real issues pushes you to think beyond textbooks. You learn to explain legal concepts in plain English, manage sensitive conversations, and develop legal solutions that are both accurate and compassionate. It’s an experience that builds your confidence and gives real weight to everything you’ve been taught.
One of the things I valued most was the supervision. You’re guided by experienced solicitors who don’t just check your work. They challenge you to think deeper. I remember going to Vivien, our supervising solicitor, with what I thought was a straightforward question. Instead of giving me the answer, she helped me see the bigger picture and pushed me to think more strategically. That kind of mentorship is invaluable, and it stays with you.
The Clinic also sharpened my legal writing skills. I had the opportunity to write attendance notes, conduct legal research, and apply the law to real situations. I drafted a detailed letter of advice to our client. These are the exact tasks trainee solicitors and paralegals do every day, and having this experience has made me feel far more prepared for legal work.
Beyond the skills, it’s a chance to make a tangible difference. Many of our clients were people who might otherwise fall through the cracks. Being able to help someone get rehoused or resolve a serious legal issue is incredibly rewarding.
And when it comes to interviews and assessment centres, Clinic work gives you something real to talk about. It shows employers that you’ve gone beyond the classroom, taken initiative, and developed the kind of problem-solving mindset they’re looking for.
If you’re a University of Kent student or if you are thinking about applying to study law, the Law Clinic is your opportunity to use and develop your legal knowledge and put it into action. You’ll come out more skilled, more thoughtful, and more confident in your future as a lawyer.
Samson Oteniya