First accredited legal clinic opened at IUM

The first legal clinic that has been accredited by the Bar Council of the Maldives has been opened at Islamic University Maldives (IUM). The purpose of the clinic is to offer a Licensing Training Program (LTP).

The clinic was inaugurated by Chief Justice Abdul Ghanee Mohamed. He had pushed for the establishment of the clinic two years prior.

The clinic will also offer free legal counsel to the public. Upon inauguration, the Chief Justice stated that the fact that the IUM's Kulliyyah of Shari'ah and Law's small team had succeeded in such a task shows their capability.

The Chief Justice, who had worked at the Kulliyyah for 11 months prior, went on to say that the newly opened clinic is a golden opportunity for students and that this would bring about an end to the queueing at law firms.

"All you students should grab hold of this opportunity in a sincere manner. This opportunity will not be available just for students of IUM. It will also be available for all aspiring students of law in Maldives," said Ghanee.

The Chief Justice stated that raising public awareness regarding the law industry is also something the clinic can do. He went on to say that the clinic should offer legal counsel to those who have difficulty in obtaining it without exception. He also said that it would make the clinic a strong social service.

As per IUM, the promising clinic serves to provide students who are finishing their law education with completing the LTP before they venture out into the practical field.

"...And this will give law students the opportunity to complete their required training program before they take their oaths," said IUM.

Along with the program, the clinic will offer pro bono services to the public, as was said by IUM. The university also stated that this will come to be a golden opportunity for those who have difficulty in acquiring legal aid.

Kulliyyah of Shari'ah and Law lecturer and former Assistant Prosecutor General Aishath Fazna was appointed as Administrative Director to run the clinic.