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The Journal Pedagogia Universitaria y Didáctica del Derecho is open to submission researchs.

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Free legal clinics as a space for academic training: UNACH Case

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Abstract

This paper analyzes the pedagogical impact of the free legal clinics at the National University of Chimborazo on the training of future lawyers, focusing on their contribution to the development of professional competencies and the fulfillment of the university’s mission in social engagement. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative and qualitative analysis. In the quantitative phase, documents and statistics from the clinics (2021-2023) were reviewed, and 80 surveys were conducted with students who completed internships in these spaces. The qualitative phase included interviews with clinic managers and university officials. The results show a positive perception among students regarding their experience, highlighting the development of interpersonal skills and a deeper understanding of professional ethics. Additionally, the clinics’ role in providing legal protection to vulnerable populations is emphasized, reinforcing the university’s social responsibility and its commitment to the comprehensive training of future lawyers.

Keywords:

Legal education, legal pedagogy, legal clinic, pre-professional internship, social engagement.

Author Biographies

Edison Paúl Barba Tamayo, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo

Edison Paúl Barba Tamayo holds a Bachelor's degree in Education and a Master's degree in Curriculum Design and Educational Evaluation; he is also a lawyer with a Master's degree in Administrative Law and is currently a doctoral candidate in Higher Education at the University of Palermo. He is a tenured professor in the Faculty of Educational, Human, and Technological Sciences at the National University of Chimborazo. His email address is ebarba@unach.edu.ec. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3492-9072.

Edison Fernando Bonifaz Aranda, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo

Edison Fernando Bonifaz Aranda holds a degree in Applied Informatics for Education, a master's degree in University Teaching and Research Methodology in Education, and has completed doctoral studies in Systems and Computer Engineering. He is currently a doctoral candidate in Educational Technology at the University of Andalusia, Spain. He is a research professor in the Law Department at the National University of Chimborazo. His email address is ebonifaz@unach.edu.ec. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7743-0717.

Julio Adrián Alvarado Velez, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo

Julio A. Alvarado-Vélez is a lawyer with a PhD in Social Sciences, a Master's degree in Law specializing in Administrative Law, and a Master's degree in Energy Law and Energy Efficiency from the International University of La Rioja. He also holds a Bachelor's degree in International Relations and a Master's degree in International Economic Relations. He currently teaches at ECOTEC Technological University in Ecuador. His email address is julio2alvarado@gmail.com. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5403-7210.