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Legal Clinic

legal clinic

VSA has been working with the Legal Clinic Human Rights and Migration Law of Ghent University since 2019. This pro bono initiative is led by Johan Heymans, assisted by Yasmina El Kaddouri.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world, indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." – Margaret Mead

purpose

The aim of the Legal Clinic is to immerse a limited group of driven Master students with a profound passion for human rights in the world of human rights law for an entire academic year. The Legal Clinic is a highly intensive and practice-oriented programme that, through one-on-one coaching, creative brainstorming sessions and with the input of civil society, gives the lawyers of tomorrow a unique opportunity to sharpen their (creative) reasoning, knowledge and communication and writing skills by working on concrete human rights cases.

In the past, students have worked on various discrimination cases, on the Turkey Tribunal, on a complaint for the International Criminal Court, and so on.

vision

VSA hopes to inspire young human rights lawyers and to show them that, with the necessary dedication and knowledge, anyone can tackle important human rights issues and bring about social change. Even after completing the work at the Legal Clinic, VSA tries to act as a catalyst to encourage these alumni students to continue fighting for human rights in their legal careers.

Contact

For further questions regarding this initiative, please contact johan.heymans@vsadvocaten.be.

"We were for a year guided in a unique and personal way through the reality of strategic human rights litigation. The Legal Clinic also gave us a real perspective on the social change this work can bring about."
Lore Roels
Phd fellow
Legal Clinic 2019-2020
"Through the Legal Clinic, I realised that the legal profession also plays an important role in the enforcement of human rights. In addition, the direct cooperation with VSA gave me all kinds of tips and tricks that are now useful to me every day as a starting lawyer."
Jente Konings
Attorney at law
Legal Clinic 2019-2020
"Through the Legal Clinic on Human Rights, I realised that the legal profession also plays an important role in the enforcement of human rights. In addition, the direct cooperation with VSA gave me all kinds of tips and tricks that are now useful to me every day as a trainee lawyer."
Leen De Ruck
Attorney at law
Legal Clinic 2019-2020
"For a whole year, we had the opportunity to learn directly from a prestigious law firm how conclusions are drafted and how clients are assisted. In short, we got to experience the ins and outs of Van Steenbrugge Advocaten for a year."
Océane Dieu
Master student Cyber Crime & Terrorism
Legal Clinic 2019-2020
"In a very pleasant working atmosphere, I learned from scratch how legal actions against human rights violations work in practice. Richer in legal knowledge, practical and strategic tips, like-minded friends and ready for the legal adventure, I was able to finish this beautiful experience."
Silke Van Maele
Attorney at law
Legal Clinic 2019-2020