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Nablus, Monday, 28 April 2025 – The Faculty of Law and Political Science and the Legal Clinic at An-Najah National University organized a conference: "Developing Legal Education in Law Schools in Palestinian Universities: The Legal Clinic as a Model." The event was held with support from the Sawasya III Joint Programme – Reinforcing Equal Access to Justice for All Palestinians, a joint initiative by UNDP, UN Women and UNICEF.
The conference came in response to the growing need to develop legal education in Palestine, particularly amid the structural challenges faced by law schools. It aimed to bridge the gap between theory and practice through the legal clinic model, which was highlighted as a practical, hands-on educational tool that fosters students’ legal skills and community engagement.
The conference was opened with welcoming remarks delivered by H.E. Counselor Sharhabil Al-Zaeem, Minister of Justice; The Governor of Nablus Governorate, Mr. Ghassan Daghlas, Mr. Fadi Abbas, President of the Palestinian Bar Association; Dr. Abdulsalam Al-Khayyat, Vice President for Academic Affairs at An-Najah University; Dr. Nour Addas, Dean of the Faculty of Law and Political Science, along with Mr. Simon Ridley, Sawasya III Joint Programme Manager. The event was attended by a wide range of legal scholars, human rights experts, representatives from the justice sector, law faculties and students from across Palestinian universities.
In his remarks, Mr. Simon Ridley, Sawasya III Joint Programme Manager, emphasized the importance of integrating legal clinics into university curricula, stating: “We fully believe that legal clinics offer a unique opportunity for law students to immerse themselves in practical learning while serving their communities and equipping them with firsthand experience in legal advocacy and client representation.
In this context, legal clinics serve as an educational tool and as platforms for social justice. By equipping future lawyers with the tools necessary to navigate complex legal challenges, we are fostering a generation of advocates who can champion the rights of the marginalized and uphold the rule of law. As we embark on this journey of reform, it is imperative that we collaborate across institutions, share best practices, and learn from one another. Together, we can create a robust network of legal education that not only enriches universities but also enhances the legal profession in Palestine.”
The event featured three specialized sessions that explored the state and evolution of legal education in Palestine. Discussions addressed structural challenges within law faculties, the disconnect between theoretical training and practical market needs, and the importance of curriculum reform and interactive learning approaches to enhance students’ competencies and professional readiness.
H.E. Minister of Justice, Counselor Sharhabil Al-Zaeem stated: “Dedicating a full session to the topic of legal clinics and their role as an effective practical educational tool in promoting the rule of law and serving the community and marginalized groups is a strategic step towards bridging legal education with practical reality and enhancing access to justice.
Also, In this regard, I am pleased to inform you of the establishment of the Mobile Legal Clinic Unit at the Ministry of Justice, which aims to promote legal awareness among target groups, particularly those whose political, social, or economic circumstances hinder their access to justice.”
A key focus of the event was on the legal clinic model as a modern, applied approach to legal education. The model was presented as an innovative tool for equipping future legal professionals with the ability to address real-world legal challenges and support marginalized communities, particularly women and children. The conference showcased successful national and international experiences that reaffirmed the importance of institutionalizing legal clinics as a sustainable part of legal education.
Speaking on behalf of An-Najah University’s President, Dr. Abdulsalam Al-Khayyat reaffirmed the university’s commitment to advancing legal education as a pillar of institutional and societal development: "The legal clinic at our university, along with those established at other universities that have adopted the legal clinic model, has served as a true example of practical legal training by bridging theoretical and practical aspects for students through their engagement in community service and their active contribution in providing legal consultations to vulnerable groups."
Dr. Nour Addas, Dean of the Faculty of Law and Political Science, affirmed: "Legal clinics are not merely an educational phase; rather, they serve as a genuine bridge connecting academic knowledge with practical reality, contributing to community service, supporting marginalized groups, promoting the values of justice and human rights among students, and raising their legal and social awareness."
The Governor of Nablus Governorate, Mr. Ghassan Daghlas, also emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation between academic institutions and civil society organizations to foster a legal educational environment that promotes legal innovation and supports the rule of law.
For his part, the President of the Palestinian Bar Association, Attorney Fadi Abbas, emphasized the importance of holding this conference at this time, given the urgent need to review the legal education system and to integrate practical components into the educational process, as well as the necessity of incorporating technology and emerging trends into legal education. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening the human rights framework, promoting the principle of the rule of law, raising legal awareness, and enhancing the role of legal clinics in shaping the character of law students and immersing them in practical reality. He further expressed his support for fostering collaboration between university legal clinics and the Bar Association.
In addition, the discussions examined structural barriers to reforming legal education, such as the persistent gap between academia and professional practice, the need for updated curricula, and opportunities for international cooperation and knowledge exchange. Participants also discussed emerging tools such as generative artificial intelligence and their potential role in advancing legal training.
The conference concluded with a set of practical recommendations, emphasizing the institutional integration of legal clinics into academic programs, the need for sustainable financial and administrative support, and the importance of strengthening collaboration between universities and the justice sector.
This conference forms part of the broader efforts of the Sawasya III Joint Programme to strengthen legal education in Palestine by promoting experiential learning through legal clinics and fostering a human rights-based academic environment that contributes to the development of a comprehensive, inclusive, and accessible justice system for all.
For more information, please contact:
Rinad Khashan - Communications Officer – Sawasya III Joint Programme/ UNDP PAPP
rinad.khashan@undp.org
+972 595 971 295