THE ROLE OF LEGAL CLINICS IN DEVELOPING THE NEGOTIATION AND MEDIATION SKILLS OF LAW STUDENTS

Abstract

Legal clinics play a crucial role in enhancing law students’ negotiation and mediation skills as part of clinical legal education. In the context of modern societal dynamics and complex dispute resolution, law students are required to master both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, alongside professional values. Legal clinic activities including case simulations, community legal assistance, and alternative dispute resolution practices enhance students’ analytical abilities, empathetic communication, and professional ethics. Findings indicate that legal clinics effectively develop negotiation and mediation skills through experiential learning under the supervision of lecturers and legal practitioners. Nonetheless, challenges such as limited resources, insufficient institutional support, and low student engagement remain. Stronger academic policies, external partnerships, and an integrated curriculum are necessary to ensure that legal clinics function effectively as a medium for developing practical competencies and social ethics among law students.