The Community Law Clinic

Many individuals lacking financial means are often unaware of their rights or hesitate to seek information due to the need for professional assistance, which often comes with significant costs. However, legal representation is powerful—it facilitates access to rights and can help avoid prolonged and complex legal proceedings. In recognition of the social responsibility of the legal community and the need to promote equal access to justice, the Community Law Clinic operates to bridge this gap.

The Community Law Clinic provides legal assistance and support to disadvantaged populations in civil matters across all legal forums. Students participating in the clinic, under the professional guidance of the clinic director, offer a range of legal services, including assessing legal issues, providing advice, drafting documents, and taking legal action when necessary.

The clinic offers 8 academic credits, with practical activities taking place once a week. Students can select their fieldwork location based on preference, and assignments are made according to compatibility between the fieldwork schedule and the student's timetable. In addition to the fieldwork, students are also responsible for ongoing independent legal work related to their cases.

Each year, the Community Justice Award in memory of David Schwartz and Dor Zimel is presented as part of the clinic's activities. This award recognizes social excellence and is given to a student who has demonstrated exemplary conduct during their work in the clinic over the past academic year.

On the day the new clinic members are welcomed, the award—including a scholarship of 5,000 NIS generously donated by "Bonuss" Company—is presented to an outstanding student. The award honors those who demonstrate initiative and diligence, provide extensive support to peers, contribute significantly to the legal and personal work for clients, and show determination to go above and beyond the expected responsibilities of a clinic student.

The recipient is selected by a committee of experts well-versed in the intricacies of clinical work and community advocacy.

Committee members include Prof. Lior Zemer, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Prof. Yishai Bar, Prof. Ruth Zafran, and Attorney Sharon Zionov.

For inquiries regarding registration, please contact Dana Goldian Barak via email at dana.goldian@runi.ac.il or leave a message at 09-9527354.