Introduction

The process of education in the legal field takes place not only through the transfer of theoretical knowledge, but also on the basis of practice-oriented forms of education. One of these forms of training is the activity of legal clinics at higher educational institutions.

A legal clinic is a form of organization of the educational process, in which students, under the guidance of teachers, provide free legal assistance to citizens. However, the activity of the legal clinic not only acts as an element of education, providing students with professional skills, but also performs a social function, contributing to increasing the availability of legal aid to the population [1]. This model allows combining the practical training of future lawyers with ensuring the proper quality of legal aid in the country [2].

Material and methods

In the history of its development, clinical legal education is associated with the need to increase the availability of legal aid. In the middle of the 20th century, a «realistic legal movement» emerged in the United States, whose representatives advocated the creation of legal clinics at law schools [3]. In such clinics, law students participated in providing free legal aid to low-income citizens. Even then, it provided citizens with the help they needed, while at the same time teaching students practical skills. legal aid in the country [4].

Over time, the practice of clinical legal education has become widespread around the world and has become an important element of legal training. Professional legal organizations and specialized educational institutions have begun to actively support the creation and development of legal clinics, emphasizing the effectiveness of this tool to improve the quality of education through the formation of practical skills of students [5].

As already mentioned, one of the advantages of legal clinics is the possibility for students to apply theoretical knowledge in practice [6]. In the process, students analyze real-world legal situations, advise citizens on various issues, and prepare legal documents, including applications, complaints, and other procedural documents [7]. In the process, they acquire legal analysis skills, learn how to navigate law enforcement practice, and gain experience in preparing legal documents and conducting consultations.

Also, working in a legal clinic helps to develop the communication skills of future lawyers []. In the process of working with clients, students learn to correctly formulate questions, listen carefully to the client, analyze the information received from him and make legally sound recommendations [8]. These skills will be useful for current students in their professional activities in the future [9].

In addition, the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real situations contributes to the formation of students’ professional interest in legal activities [10]. And the practical experience gained can be a significant advantage in the further employment of graduates.

Results of the study:

During the study:

1) the concept of a legal clinic has been considered;

2) the role of the law clinic in the legal education system as a form of student education that combines theory with practice has been traced;

3) the main advantages of student participation in the work of clinics, including the expansion of professional knowledge, improving the skills of preparing documents and advising citizens have been disclosed;

4) the historical development of clinical legal education and its distribution in world practice has been studied.

Conclusion

Thus, the legal clinic is an important element of the legal education system. It allows you to combine theoretical training with practical activities, contributes to the formation of professional competencies of students and at the same time performs a significant social function related to the provision of free legal aid to citizens. Students’ participation in the work of law clinics contributes to their professional development and preparation for future legal activities.