United in our challenges - Should the model used in clinical legal education be reviewed?

Abstract

The University of the Witwatersrand Law Clinic has used the in-house real-client model of clinical legal education since 1973. Now, 30 years later, the author reflects on the challenges that this model poses, particularly in light of the evolution of clinical teaching in the 21 '' century. This paper considers various models used in clinical teaching, with particular emphasis on the "real-client" model as used in clinical teaching at the University of the Witwatersrand Law Clinic. Various challenges posed by this model are identified and discussed. In conclusion certain recommendations are put forward on how to deal with these challenges.