The Faculty of Law (FH) at Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) organized a workshop on “Legal Clinic Practice in Netherlands” on February 20, 2024. Dr. Prosper Simbarashe Maguchu, an Assistant Professor at Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam, served as the speaker, shedding light on the concept of Legal Clinics as voluntary organizations where students provide legal advice under the guidance of professors and practising lawyers. Dr. Simbarashe emphasized the diverse areas of law covered by Legal Clinics, ranging from tax and immigration law to anti-corruption legal clinics.
During the workshop, Dr. Simbarashe outlined three key objectives for establishing legal clinics: offering students practical application of academic knowledge, providing free legal assistance to underserved communities, and contributing to multidisciplinary research in the legal field for positive impacts on public policy. He shared experiences from VU Amsterdam, illustrating students’ involvement in legal processes and public policy-making. Dr. Simbarashe highlighted the benefits of Legal Clinics for both students and universities, emphasizing the need for careful integration into the curriculum, considering appropriate courses, prerequisites, and credit allocation.
In conclusion, the workshop provided valuable insights into the establishment and benefits of Legal Clinics, encouraging Legal Clinic coordinators at the Faculty of Law (FH) to share their experiences in managing these programs. The emphasis was placed on the practical application of legal knowledge, community service, and contributing to research for a well-rounded legal education.