February 27 marked the official launch of the first collection of Armenian-language scientific articles on clinical legal education.
This landmark publication is the result of close collaboration between the Yerevan office of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law and the Legal Clinic of the YSU Faculty of Law.
The collection brings together research by leading field experts, lecturers, and practicing lawyers, addressing the development of clinical legal education in Armenia, the role of legal clinics in training practice-oriented legal professionals, and their broader contribution to the protection of human rights.
The significance of this event is further underscored by the fact that the articles were published in the authoritative academic journal "Banber of Yerevan University: Jurisprudence". This not only attests to the high scholarly quality of the materials presented, but also reflects the university's commitment to advancing science and education through the publication of its academic periodicals. An academic environment that supports both rigorous research and practice-based learning gives a strong foundation for putting these valuable and innovative initiatives into place.
Knarik Vardanyan, Director of the Legal Clinic at the YSU Faculty of Law, noted that the journal serves as a reputable platform bringing together leading specialists in the field, promoting constructive academic debate and shaping qualitatively new standards of contemporary legal thought. By integrating theoretical analysis with practical experience, it encourages professional discourse, strengthens scholarly culture, and creates an environment conducive to the generation of new ideas. She emphasized that such initiatives are particularly important for ensuring that the development of legal scholarship proceeds not only through the preservation of tradition, but also through engagement with emerging challenges, the cultivation of critical thinking, and the advancement of practical application. Knarik Vardanyan expressed her deep appreciation for the support of university partners, representatives of legal clinics, the authors of the articles, and the reviewers, highlighting their professionalism, sense of responsibility, and conscientious approach.
Welcoming remarks were also delivered by Professor Gevorg Danielyan, Doctor of Law and Editor-in-Chief of the journal, who highly commended the extensive work undertaken to bring the collection to publication. He observed that the initiative was realized through a lengthy, complex, and multifaceted process, during which numerous technical and substantive challenges were successfully addressed. Gevorg Danielyan placed particular emphasis on the importance of ensuring the continuity of such initiatives to advance innovative educational approaches and modern methodologies, while in no way diminishing the role and significance of the traditional educational system.
Jason Naum, Regional Director for Europe and MENA, Deputy Director of Operations at the Raoul Wallenberg Institute, commended the contributions of Yerevan State University, its Faculty of Law and Legal Clinic, and the authors of the scholarly articles to the development of clinical legal education in Armenia and to the establishment of effective cooperation in this sphere. In his remarks, he underscored the importance of clinical education as a vital bridge between theory and practice, equipping students with the skills necessary for the practical application of law. He also reaffirmed the institute's commitment to fostering sustainable and institutionalized cooperation among legal clinics through ongoing dialogue.
The session was opened and moderated by Arman Gasparyan, Deputy Director of the Yerevan office of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute, who stressed the necessity of advancing research in clinical legal education and strengthening inter-clinic collaboration in Armenia. He likewise reiterated the institute's commitment to promoting more stable and continuous cooperation among Armenian legal clinics.
During the second part of the event, the authors presented their articles, giving representatives from invited universities a chance to learn about the historical development and methodological specifics of various legal clinics. The information shared proved particularly valuable for those institutions preparing to establish legal clinics.
The event was concluded by Ashot Petrosyan, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Law, who reaffirmed the importance of effective cooperation among the legal clinics of universities across Armenia and expressed hope that a shared vision of collaborative work would soon be translated into action.
The Legal Clinic of Yerevan State University and the Raoul Wallenberg Institute reaffirmed their commitment to continuing joint initiatives to strengthen legal clinics both in Yerevan and the provinces. The collection will be made available on electronic platforms, serving as an important resource for future researchers in the field.
