When final-year MLaw student Alice Gatfield began her capstone project at the 17³Ô¹Ï, she didn’t expect it to spark such a deep interest in the intersection between artificial intelligence and access to justice.
For the completion of this project, Alice worked with her peers, Julia Kulczewska and Thomas Bocon on a research report titled, “AI, Access to Justice and the High Street Law Firm.” The group worked closely with to examine how emerging technologies are reshaping everyday legal practice, and the ethical questions that come with it.
Alice says:
“Writing this report has been such an incredible experience. It allowed me to develop my research, writing, communication, and time management skills far beyond anything I expected.”
Collaborative opportunities
The MLaw capstone project gave Alice the opportunity to work closely with professionals across the legal and academic world; from Tony Roe and Bill Montague at Dexter Montague LLP, to lecturers Professor James Devenney and Sharon Sinclair-Graham, who supported her throughout her studies.
“I’m so grateful to have had the chance to explore AI, a topic I wasn’t very familiar with before the project, while also diving into the ethical and access to justice issues that really inspire me. The title of our report felt like the perfect combination of new subject matter and my main area of interest.”
From the firm’s perspective, the collaboration was equally rewarding. Tony Roe, Family Law Partner at Dexter Montague LLP and Visiting Fellow at the 17³Ô¹Ï, said:
“We were delighted to work with these hard-working students on this fascinating project. Their enthusiasm and insight into such a topical issue was impressive. Collaborations like this not only benefit students but also give local firms a valuable opportunity to engage with the next generation of lawyers.”
Professor James Devenney, Head of the School of Law, highlighted how projects like this exemplify the value of the MLaw degree:
“The MLaw programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice. By working directly with firms like Dexter Montague LLP, our students gain first-hand experience of the challenges and opportunities shaping the modern legal world. It’s a powerful way to prepare them for their future careers.”
Transformative experiences
The MLaw programme at the 17³Ô¹Ï empowers students to take their legal education beyond the classroom, combining rigorous academic study with real-world research, professional collaboration, and opportunities to make an impact on the future of law.
Reflecting on her MLaw experience, Alice describes it as transformative, both academically and personally:
“I’m incredibly thankful for the support I’ve received from professionals I deeply respect, and for the amazing group of friends I got to share this journey with.”