Objective
The Legal Clinic aims to immerse a select group of highly motivated Master’s students with a strong passion for human rights in the real-world practice of human rights advocacy for a full academic year.
This intensive and practice-oriented program offers students a unique opportunity to refine their analytical reasoning, legal knowledge, communication, and writing skills. Through:
✔ One-on-one coaching
✔ Creative brainstorming sessions
✔ Collaboration with civil society organizations
Students contribute directly to real human rights cases, shaping the lawyers of tomorrow.
In previous years, students have worked on:
Various anti-discrimination cases
The Turkey Tribunal
Drafting a complaint for the International Criminal Court
“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
Vision
Through this initiative, VSA hopes to empower the next generation of human rights lawyers, demonstrating that anyone, with dedication and expertise, can tackle major human rights challenges and drive societal change.
Even after completing their time in the Legal Clinic, VSA continues to act as a catalyst, encouraging alumni to pursue human rights work in their legal careers.
Contact
For more information about this initiative, please contact johan.heymans@vsadvocaten.be.
Testimonials from Alumni
“Not only were we mentored in a unique and personal way throughout a full year in the reality of strategic human rights litigation, but the Clinic also gave us real insight into the social change this work can achieve.”
Lore Roels – PhD Fellow – Legal Clinic 2019-2020
“We learned not only about the practical and substantive aspects of the legal profession but also about the responsibility and importance of being a lawyer.”
Jente Konings – Lawyer – Legal Clinic 2019-2020
“Through the Human Rights Legal Clinic, I realized that the legal profession plays a crucial role in upholding human rights. Working directly with VSA gave me invaluable tips and tricks that I now use daily as a trainee lawyer.”
Leen De Ruck – Lawyer – Legal Clinic 2019-2020
“For a full year, we had the opportunity to learn firsthand from a prestigious law firm how to draft legal conclusions and assist clients. In short, we experienced the daily workings of Van Steenbrugge Advocaten up close.”
Océane Dieu – Lawyer – Legal Clinic 2019-2020
“In an incredibly supportive work environment, I learned from scratch how legal actions against human rights violations unfold in practice. Gaining legal knowledge, practical and strategic insights, and like-minded friends, I completed this experience fully prepared for my legal career.”
Silke Van Maele – Lawyer – Legal Clinic 2019-2020