HBKU students connect with legal community

Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU’s) College of Law and Public Policy held a special Ramadan event for students from its Juris Doctor (JD) graduate law programme.
The event aimed at bringing the students together with leaders from Qatar’s legal community and celebrating the college’s first programme of legal internships, held throughout the summer.
The JD, the first programme launched by the college, delivers a customised legal curriculum that uses innovative methods of instruction focusing on meeting the needs of the Gulf region’s most important industries.
The internships have been organised to offer students the chance to experience the practice of law and solidify the theoretical understanding of legal issues and concepts.
“The JD programme is the first-of-its-kind in the region and the nature of this programme fosters innovation and resourcefulness within our students while greatly developing their legal knowledge,” said Prof Clinton Francis, founding dean, College of Law and Public Policy.
“I am delighted the students are getting the opportunity to enjoy internships at a variety of organisations across Qatar, and am grateful to all of those offering internships. Such real-world experience working alongside legal professionals can only enhance their knowledge and build connections that will have a lasting
positive benefit for all involved.”
Prof Francis’ comment came at a Suhoor hosted by the College of Law and Public Policy which offered an opportunity for the JD students to gather together with a wide range of local legal stakeholders and discuss the practical aspects of their education. Among those attending the Suhoor were representatives of the Qatar International Court Dispute Resolution Centre, Sultan Al Abdulla & Partners law firm, Ghada M Darwish law firm, Al Sulaiti law firm and the Supreme Committee for Legacy and Delivery.
The summer internship programme is part of an undertaking by HBKU’s College of Law and Public Policy that students’ learning experience be in line with the needs of Qatari society and involve interaction with the community. Other initiatives from the JD programme include a Legal Leadership Speaker Series, where prominent legal experts from across the country are invited to visit the college to share their knowledge and experience with students.
The JD postgraduate degree programme is available to candidates who hold an undergraduate degree in any major from an accredited college or university.