Law students learn about land law as part of research collaboration

Students from the GCU Law Clinic have had the chance to help communities in an important case review project involving community asset transfers.

LLB Law students Laura Keogh, Shilan Ucak and Diego Manrique were given the opportunity to explore older asset transfer cases as part of a new research collaboration with the Scottish University Land Unit (SULU) and the Community Ownership Support Service (COSS).

COSS is a Scottish Government-funded programme, set up to help community groups in Scotland take on assets for their community, giving them greater control of land and buildings.

As part of the project, students were tasked with finding ways to appeal against rejected community asset transfer bids. “We were presented with this opportunity by one of the other managers at the law clinic, Alan Winnie, who had worked hard to get the project off the ground.” Laura explained.

“When I heard about it, I was immediately interested, especially since I have an interest in land law and the chance to contribute to something that could have a real impact on communities was something I couldn’t pass up.”

The aim of the work presented to students could mean that communities could have better access to their land rights.

Laura said: “We were asked to review cases involving community asset transfers to identify similarities in how the reporter reviewed each case. The goal was to help those applying for these transfers understand what the reporter is looking for and improve their chances by having a better idea of what makes a successful application. By looking at key emerging trends, seeing the impact COVID-19 and Climate change had on these communities.”

Now looking back at the experience, the students felt that their involvement helped deepen their understanding on land law and contribute to increasing fair access to law services.

“I’m really glad I took part.” Laura explained.

“The experience gave me valuable hands-on practice that I can apply in my legal studies. It was rewarding knowing that our work could potentially make a difference for people looking to protect their community assets and keep control over their local resources.

It highlighted just how important it is for communities to have access to fair legal processes. Working alongside a couple of my fellow students also made the experience even better because it allowed me to collaborate and learn from others while contributing to a cause I care about.”

She added: “Opportunities like this are crucial because they provide practical experience and contribute to making legal practices more accessible to communities that may otherwise struggle. By helping community groups navigate legal processes, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has a fair chance at securing their rights.

It also helps me and other students develop a deeper understanding of how the law works in real-world settings, which is something that cannot always be learned from theory.”

By Rachael McAlonan