Transformation in Legal Education: From Theory to Practice in Legal Clinics

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant professor, department of law, Refah University college, Tehran, Iran

2 Master's student, Faculty of Law, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

In the transition to third-generation universities, universities are required to revise their missions and goals to meet the needs of society and play a fundamental role in the social and economic development of the country. Law schools, as one of the key institutions in higher education, need a fundamental transformation in their missions to both train specialized professionals and actively participate in national decision-making processes. In this regard, moving away from inefficient theoretical education models and towards modern, practical methods is an unavoidable necessity. One of the effective tools for realizing this transformation is the establishment and development of legal clinics. These clinics serve as a link between legal education and the practical needs of society, providing a platform where law students can learn practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge and contribute to solving legal and social issues. This research, using a descriptive-analytical method and drawing from library resources, explores the necessity of transformation in legal education. It outlines the concept, history, and educational, professional, social, and research functions of legal clinics and presents the requirements for this transformation within the framework of higher educational documents. The findings show that legal clinics can play a key role in connecting legal education with societal needs, enhancing students' practical skills, and training committed and specialized professionals. This, in turn, enhances the quality of legal education and contributes to social justice.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 18 May 2025
  • Receive Date: 29 January 2025
  • Revise Date: 13 March 2025
  • Accept Date: 18 May 2025