News
“Legal Education in the Arab World: Current Status and Future Perspectives”
The “Legal Education in the Arab World: Current Status and Future Perspectives” conference was held in Doha, Qatar on March 18–19, 2009 at the Qatar University College of Law campus. The ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) and a working group of Qatar University law faculty designed the agenda, recruited experts and organized the logistics of the conference. The conference was attended by law school deans and professors from elite universities throughout the Middle East and North Africa region.
ABA ROLI Conducts First International Law School Assessment in Qatar
At the invitation of Qatar University, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) conducted a comprehensive assessment of the sole law school in Qatar. The State of Qatar is committed to modernizing its entire educational system to lay the groundwork for a rigorous economic infrastructure as it continues to expand its global influence. Read more »
Programs
Public Legal Education
The ABA Rule of Law Inititive (ABA ROLI) implemented a civic education program in Qatar designed to strengthen the understanding of the rule of law among young citizens. In cooperation with the ABA Public Education Division, ABA ROLI created lesson plans for preparatory and secondary schools, a teachers’ manual and toolkit. ABA ROLI created a website in English and Arabic that includes the civic education curriculum, interactive exercises and links to legal resources. Please visit the site at www.ruleoflaw.org.qa.
Legal Education
ABA ROLI conducted a comprehensive assessment of the Qatar University College of Law’s LL.B program. The assessment drew upon the ABA Standards for Accreditation, adapted to the local context. With the assistance of ABA ROLI staff, the College of Law engaged in a self study review process similar to those done by American law schools prior to an accreditation review. After reviewing the self-study report, a team of four assessors traveled to Doha in December 2008 to interview the law faculty, university administrators, students, alumni, the Ministry of Justice, court personnel and Qatari business leaders. They examined the university facilities, evaluated library resources and attended classes in Arabic and English. The assessment team’s report offered concrete recommendations for improving the curriculum, faculty, student services and facilities. ABA ROLI continues to advise the College of Law on implementation of the recommendations.
Promoting professional development of young lawyers
ABA ROLI supports on-going work to develop legal professionals in Qatar as part of its Regional Legal Profession reform program. ABA ROLI and Qatar University conducted a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program in May 2009 focused on recent developments in Qatari legislation. ABA ROLI is now planning to conduct similar training sessions in the fall of 2009. ABA ROLI will continue to work with local partners on additional CLE programs and roundtable meetings to promote the upgrading of legal internships.
To learn more about our work in Qatar, contact ABA Rule of Law Initiative at rol@staff.abanet.org.
Karen Kendrick
Deputy Division Director
ABA Rule of Law Initiative
Middle East and North Africa Division
740 15th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20005
E-mail: kkendrick@staff.abanet.org
Background
The ABA Rule of Law Initiative initiated activities in Qatar in January 2008. ABA ROLI’s programs in Qatar focus on legal education reform and legal professional development.
