Covid lessons to incorporate in simulated teaching at university law clinics

Abstract

South African University Law Clinics permanent structures were forced to drastically change with the COVID pandemic in March 2020. The pandemic shifted the focus of ULC’s to simulated learning. Converting the practical clinical legal education module into an online simulation was a great achievement across many universities. Supervisors and students utilised various tools to achieve the simulated experiences of a real ULC with the advent of the ‘Online University Law Clinic’. There were many challenges, especially for those who struggle with technology. The impact of COVID has expanded the tools and use of technology in South African ULC’s. The question addressed in this paper is what lessons and recommendations can be utilised from the pandemic to further promote skill building for law students. In unpacking this question, the University of Johannesburg’s Auckland Park ULC is explored as a case study. The Online ULC promotes skill building through simulation, which will ultimately improve the overall basic legal foundation at universities and impact the resilience of ULC’s in the face of any future pandemics.