In August, an incredible project was launched with the support of the Association of Legal Clinics of Ukraine and the Program USAID Justice for All. Professors of leading American universities, who work in legal clinics and are responsible for Experiential Learning, will hold webinars for students consultants, students majoring in “Law” and “International Law” aimed at improving practical skills and deepening knowledge in the field of legal counseling.
The first webinar was held on August 4 and started an express course on developing soft skills for lawyers. Speakers of the event were Paul Holland, Associate Dean for Experiential Learning and Associate Professor of Law (Seattle University School of Law), Serge Martinez, Associate Dean of Experiential Learning, Professor of Law (University of New Mexico School of Law), Michelle Greenberg-Kobrin, Clinical Associate Professor of Law and Director of the Filmmakers Legal Clinic, Director of the Leadership Program and Senior Heyman Fellow, Heyman Center for Corporate Governance of the Cardozo School of Law, New York, and Davida Finger (Loyola University College of Law, New Orleans).
The webinar considered methods and means of effective communication with clients during counseling and the development of communication skills needed in the legal profession. In addition, the subject of an interactive discussion with students was the ethical problems of a lawyer in relations with both clients and colleagues. The event brought together more than 70 teachers and students from Sumy State University and other Ukrainian higher education institutions. Among them are 5 teachers and curators of the National Institute of Law of Sumy State University, 16 graduates of the "Law" educational program, 22 students of educational program "International Law". It is pleasant to note the desire of students to study even during the holidays, to acquire new knowledge and skills in an international environment.
The course on the development of soft skills for lawyers includes three webinars. In the future, teachers from the USA will teach our students relevant aspects of international law and transitional justice.
We express our sincere gratitude to the organizers and speakers who joined the support of Ukrainian legal education on a volunteer basis. Special thanks to Prof. Davida Finger, who covered the costs of translating the webinar for those of its participants who do not speak English at a sufficient level, and Mariia Tsypiashchuk, the member of the Board of the Association of Legal Clinics of Ukraine for communication with the American side and excellent organization of the event.
We are looking forward to the continuation of the pieces of training!