Through the office, law students can gain practical experience with client casework
Renter-focused not-for-profit legal service Anika Legal has allied with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University on the establishment of a first-of-its-kind on-site university office.
Through the office, which is situated in RMIT’s School of Law, law students can gain practical experience tackling client casework under the eye of lawyers. Students will handle tenancy-related issues like bond disputes, repairs and evictions.
“This is a significant step in how we deliver work-integrated learning. Students are gaining real-world experience on campus, while contributing to access to justice, and building an understanding of the barriers many people face in the legal system”, said Diana Bowman, who became the dean at RMIT's School of Law last November.
Anika Legal principal lawyer Emily Southwell added that establishing the office helps bolster oversight and learning.
“Opening our first on-site university office allows us to deepen collaboration with students and expand the impact of our model. By working more closely with interns in a shared environment, we can strengthen supervision, enhance learning and scale support for clients who need it most”, Southwell said.
Anika Legal implemented an internship-led model that has assisted over 1,400 clients. Over 80 RMIT students have finished more than 7,500 internship hours.
“You get to work with real clients and help people in really vulnerable situations. It’s meaningful work, and you can see the impact you’re having”, said Anika Legal intern Hiba Noor, who is a bachelor of laws student. “Being able to work alongside lawyers in person makes a real difference. You can ask questions, get immediate feedback and build confidence much more quickly”.
