Since 2021, Kent Law School’s Student Outdoor Scheme has made it possible for students to attend court and assist advocates with their cases.
Sidra Ahmed, a final year undergraduate law student from Canada, reflects on her time with the scheme so far:
‘The Student Outdoor Clerk Scheme (SOCS) offers law students the rare opportunity to accompany advocates in court, take detailed notes of proceedings, and report back to instructing solicitors. It’s a practical, hands-on experience that brings the study of law to life.
I got involved with SOCS because I knew that any opportunity to be in court would be invaluable. As someone keen to develop my advocacy skills, there’s nothing more beneficial than watching experienced advocates in action and seeing how real-life cases unfold.
Since joining, I’ve gained confidence navigating courtrooms, speaking with legal professionals, and asking the right questions. No two days are the same – each case, client, and court brings a different challenge. One moment you’re in the holding cells for a pre-hearing conference, the next you’re witnessing cross-examination in a trial.
A standout experience for me was clerking a TOLATA case at the Central London County Court, located in the Royal Courts of Justice in London. Walking through and becoming familiar with such a building, knowing I was there to do a job, was an absolute highlight of my summer. This time was a bit different from other cases I have clerked- there was no barrister expecting me or offering guidance, no one to clarify anything I may have misunderstood. Fortunately, my prior SOCS experience meant I felt prepared and confident. I can say with great ease that this scheme has helped me build practical skills that I will take with me throughout my career.
I would highly recommend SOCS to any law student. It gives you a front-row seat to the realities of legal practice, improves your professional communication and note-taking skills, helps build a network, and gives you insight into whether courtroom work is right for you. It’s a unique and invaluable experience that I’m grateful to be part of.’
The scheme, which is endorsed by the Law Society, is now being rolled out nationally with several other universities following Kent’s lead. The scheme is supported by Thomson Reuters Case Center.
Darren Weir, Director of Kent’s Lawyering Skills programme and the initiator of the scheme said, ‘SOCS at Kent has involved around nearly 200 students and we have sent clerks on more than 100 cases. For anyone interested in the scheme, we are pleased to say that we have a new web page with all the details.’