Student Outdoor Clerk Scheme (SOCS

Through the Student Outdoor Clerk Scheme (SOCS), our undergraduate law students volunteer as legal clerks in partnership with local legal aid law firms who specialise in criminal defence work. Students attend criminal hearings in the Crown Court and take a detailed note of proceedings to assist instructing solicitors and counsel. 

The project aims to provide meaningful assistance to legal aid firms while providing valuable legal work experience and learning opportunities to our students.  

Our students receive training in:

• Legal ethics and confidentiality
• Criminal law and Crown Court procedure
• Courtroom etiquette and professionalism
• Duties and responsibilities as a Student Outdoor Clerk

We aim for our Student Outdoor Clerks to provide a summary attendance note and a detailed record of proceedings as soon as possible after each day in court. We accept cases at Snaresbrook and other Crown Courts around London, subject to student availability.