A graduation ceremony was held at the courtroom of the Faculty of Law at Yerevan State University, during which certificates were awarded to this year’s graduates of YSU Legal Clinic.
Director of the Legal Clinic, Knarik Vardanyan, presented the annual report for the 2024–2025 academic year. According to the report, 24 students successfully completed their clinical legal education this year. In her congratulatory message, Knarik Vardanyan emphasized that while a bachelor's diploma confirms one’s qualification as a lawyer, the Legal Clinic certificate affirms that the student has also acquired practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge, possesses a high sense of responsibility, demonstrates empathy, and is guided by a people-centered approach.
Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Harutyun Khachikyan, congratulated the students and highlighted the extensive and high-quality work of the Legal Clinic. He noted that citizens frequently express their gratitude to the university administration and to him personally, which he considers the most meaningful recognition of the Clinic's work.
Tigran Markosyan, coordinator and lecturer of the Civil (Administrative Law) Litigation Specialist Group, emphasized the Clinic’s importance in the field. He noted that the Clinic now serves as a vital support system for individuals referred by state bodies in need of legal assistance. While acknowledging the existence of state institutions that offer free legal aid, he underlined that YSU Legal Clinic has emerged as a trusted secondary platform that receives high praise from both the professional community and the public.
Hayk Alumyan, coordinator and lecturer of the Criminal Law Specialist Group, highlighted the significant contributions made this year by the Clinic’s students in preparing complaints for submission to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), particularly regarding the protection of property rights for forcibly displaced compatriots from Artsakh. Over 10 complaints were prepared, some of which have already been submitted to the ECHR and officially registered.
Special certificates of recognition were awarded to last year’s Legal Clinic graduates, Knarik Smbatyan and Mane Mnatsakanyan, in honor of their extensive fact-finding and dedicated work in drafting complaints to the ECHR on behalf of forcibly displaced individuals from Artsakh regarding the protection of their property rights.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, students expressed their gratitude to the lecturers and the entire Legal Clinic staff for their dedication, deep knowledge, and willingness to share their rich professional experience.
