September 2008

Approximately 35 law students from eight public and private universities were selected from more than 100 applicants to participate in the third annual summer practicum for law students. The practicum took place over a two-week period in June 2008 at Jordan University. During the session, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) promoted understanding of the practice of law through skill-building lectures, classroom activities, field visits and an externship.

This year’s program marked a significant step in institutionalizing practical legal education for Jordan’s future lawyers and judges. In the past, the sessions were taught by international experts, but this year’s practicum featured lectures by local law professors with ABA ROLI support. These local experts volunteered their time and expertise to teach moot court skills, legal research and writing and contract drafting.  To emphasize the need to better connect students to the job market, the program included guest lecturers such as forensics experts, attorneys and judges and study trips to the Jordanian Parliament and the Palace of Justice.

The practicum was judged successful by the students, who reported an increased awareness of modern legal areas (such as mediation and forensics medicine) and an improved understanding of Jordan’s legal system. Using the skills obtained during the practicum, each student was assigned a two-week externship at a local court, non-governmental organization or law firm. As has been the case in the past, it is hoped that many of these externships will result in employment opportunities with their host organizations. ABA ROLI is also working with universities to make externships a formal part of law curriculum.

For more information on ABA ROLI’s work in Jordan, contact Kathy McEnany at <kmcenany@staff.abanet.org>.