Legal Practice and Assistance Centre

Since 1999, the Faculty of Law has included the provision of legal assistance as a part of its study programme, overseen by the Centre for Legal Practice and Assistance (the Centre). The course is offered in the second year of the Bachelor of Laws programme. The principal aim of the Centre is to provide students with the opportunity to gain practical experience during their studies by offering free legal assistance to low-income individuals.

At the start of the course’s students receive introductory lectures on the basic principles of the Centre, interviewing techniques, legal ethics, legal research, time management, and other topics. These classes are delivered by guest lecturers from the Centre, who are often practising lawyers able to bridge theory and practice and share their work experience. The Centre requires students to maintain strict discipline, attend lectures and seminars, and submit regular reports.

By mid-October, students start meeting clients and working on real cases. Meetings in areas such as employment, housing, and family law are structured as follows: In the first meeting, the student identifies the client’s problem, listens to the facts, and collects copies of relevant documents. After the meeting, the student reviews the case file, relevant laws and regulations, and legal literature. Once the student understands the case and considers possible solutions, they consult with the Centre’s cooperating partner—a lawyer—who verifies the legal correctness of the student’s work before any advice is provided to the client. Upon completion of a case, the student submits a report to the Centre detailing the work performed, the lawyer’s approval of the outcome, and delivers the prepared response to the client.

To support students, the Centre relies on the pro bono services of Latvian attorneys and paralegals. Students offer consultations from mid-October to mid-May by appointment. Appointments can be scheduled from September to early May by calling +371 67034737 or emailing zile@lu.lv.

**Director of the Legal Practice and Assistance Centre** 

Director

Sandra Zīle Gereiša