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Legal Clinic First Edition – Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
With Al Tamimi & Company
(September–October 2024)
The first edition of the Legal Clinic at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi was launched in collaboration with Al Tamimi & Company, the largest law firm in the MENA region, during the months of September and October 2024. This pioneering partnership allowed third-year law students to engage directly with seasoned legal professionals and immerse themselves in real-life legal practice.
Over eight weeks, students engaged in legal tasks under the guidance of lawyers and trainees from Al Tamimi. The first session focused on Corporate Structuring, featuring a legal research exercise related to UAE free zones, licensing, and regulatory frameworks for an e-commerce company. Students responded to a simulated client email, developing practical skills in legal analysis, research, and professional communication. According to participants, this task was “a great introduction to real legal work beyond the university.”
Other sessions centred on Real Estate Law, where students performed a Due Diligence exercise. This challenging task pushed students to analyse documents critically and draft client-ready reports, a real-world activity often reserved for early-stage legal associates. While demanding, the exercise was particularly enriching for students with a strong interest in property and transactional law.
Throughout the clinic, participants were supported by Al Tamimi’s dedicated legal team, including supervisors such as Mohamed Al Sari, Raneem Salha, and Ban Lahham. One recurring highlight was the open dialogue with lawyers and trainees, who generously shared their career journeys and advice, creating a unique mentoring environment.
Among the challenges faced, students noted the complexity of due diligence and the initial difficulty in understanding certain tasks. However, the clinic's structure encouraged students to ask questions and seek guidance, fostering a strong learning environment.
Ultimately, the clinic was a tremendous success, offering hands-on experience, real responsibility, and valuable exposure to the legal profession. It demonstrated the essential connection between academic learning and legal practice, and helped students clarify their career aspirations while building practical competencies. As part of a wider legal research programme for students in the UAE, the clinic reinforced the importance of bridging theory with real-world legal work.
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