Interview with visiting law professor, Sarah Buhler

^{Image 1: Sarah with HHJ Wood QC, designated civil judge for Merseyside and Cheshire
Image 2: One of the clinic student teams Sarah shadowed with; Michael Fagan of Jackson Lees, volunteer solicitor and an alumnus of our LPC (middle)
Image 3: Sarah with Dave Troughton, Manager of Liverpool Support Through Court}

Sarah is an internationally-recognised scholar and clinician and was in the UK to accept the Professor Sir David Watson Award for Community-University Partnerships. During her visit to the UK she also spent time in Liverpool, working with Law students in our clinics and sharing her experience of clinical legal education in Canada.

Can you tell us a bit about your specialism?

"I teach in the areas of Legal Ethics and Professionalism, and Clinical Law. My research focuses on access to justice in Canada, clinical legal education and housing law."

Have you had a chance to meet LJMU law students?

"I met quite a few students during my visit and really enjoyed talking to them about their law school experiences. I found them to be engaged and bright. I was impressed with the number of students who sign up to volunteer at the clinic and with their ability to engage in reflective practice."

Does the work you do in Canada relate to anything going on here in the UK?

"I learned that many of the challenges that we face in Canada, including inadequate legal aid and high costs of legal services are the same in the UK. Our legal systems are different but also share some commonalities, making discussion and comparison really rich and interesting." 

What have you enjoyed most about your time in Liverpool and at LJMU?

"I loved Liverpool and really enjoyed my time at LJMU. You’ve been a very generous and gracious host and I learned so much about the incredible work that you’re doing with the legal clinic. I enjoyed being immersed in the work of the clinic, meeting students and getting a tour of the Court House, as well as a chance to meet with civil and family court judges. 

"I had a really wonderful visit and hope to be back again. I also would be delighted to welcome anyone from LJMU to Saskatoon!"

If you’re interested in studying law at LJMU, take a look at the courses on offer. 

The School of Law runs a Legal Advice Centre open to members of the public, staff and students, find out more about the Legal Advice Centre.