By Sophie Christie
Every year the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre (SWRC) welcomes students from the University of Strathclyde Law Clinic as interns.
All of them work alongside our legal team. However, they also improve their knowledge of the wider organisation by taking part in weekly meetings, events and activities.
Sophie joined us on a placement over the summer. Here’s what Sophie had to say about it!
My experience at JustRight Scotland
Over the summer, I have had the privilege of joining the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre (SWRC) as a legal intern. My time here has given me a much deeper understanding of the barriers many women face when navigating the legal system, and of how the law can be leveraged to help survivors seek justice. These barriers include limited access to legal aid, challenges in pursuing defamation claims in gender-based violence (GBV) cases, difficulties obtaining protective orders, and addressing financial abuse.
Throughout the internship, I have developed a wide range of practical legal skills. I learned how to use different case management systems, draft court documents (including instructing counsel), and take effective meeting notes. I have also carried out legal research and shadowed client meetings, which have emphasised the importance of careful preparation, clear communication, and sensitivity when working with survivors. In addition, I have also had the opportunity to attend team meetings with partner organisations such as Rape Crisis Scotland, which has highlighted the value of collaboration.
The most inspiring part of my internship was the incredible team at both SWRC and JustRight Scotland. Their knowledge, warmth, and commitment to clients made me feel welcome from the very beginning. I have not only had the opportunity to learn from experienced solicitors, but also to be an active part of a collaborative team – planning together, attending lunches, and contributing to team events, including organising a maternity leave celebration for a colleague. I have also had the privilege of listening to clients’ stories, participating in International Women’s Day celebrations, and already planning new initiatives with the team, such as a fundraising event at Strathclyde University in November, which will include a special bake sale where everyone contributes a cake.
These experiences have allowed me to develop both professionally and personally, gaining insight into the importance of teamwork, community engagement, and supporting women through the legal system.
My next steps
As I enter my honours year at university, I have decided to write my dissertation on how effectively current legislation protects women from gender-based violence and supports them through complex legal proceedings. This decision has been directly inspired by my time with the SWRC and the insights I have gained over the summer, where I witnessed first-hand the legal and systemic challenges survivors often face.
My experiences have strengthened my interest in exploring not only the gaps in existing laws but also the ways legal frameworks can be improved to better empower and protect women. Through this research, I hope to contribute to a deeper understanding of the intersection between law and gender-based violence, and to identify practical measures that can make the justice system more accessible and supportive for survivors.
I am very grateful to everyone I worked with over the summer. This internship has been an unforgettable experience that I will carry with me as I move forward in both my studies and career.
