Empowering Law Students Through Externships in Women and Children’s Rights Advocacy

Speakers

Angelisa Razo, Clinical Professor, Ateneo de Davao University College of Law

Romeo Cabarde Jr., Director of APILA, Ateneo de Davao University College of Law

Session Description

This session will examine how Clinical Legal Education (CLE) methodologies can effectively integrate law students’ externship experiences in specialized areas, specifically women’s and children’s rights advocacy. It will highlight student externships with Talikala and Tambayan, organizations focused on gender, women, and children’s issues, including rape, trafficking, and policy advocacy. The session will explore structured field exposure, where students engage in legal drafting, casework, policy advocacy, and immersion visits to sites such as night bars for women and LGBTQ+ sex workers and shelters for trafficked individuals. Additionally, it will assess student learning and incorporate best practices to enhance CLE effectiveness.

Participants will engage in interactive discussions, live polling, legal drafting exercises, and policy brainstorming to address challenges in externship programs and develop strategies to enhance gender-sensitive legal education. A Q&A segment will provide an opportunity for deeper insights into structuring CLE programs that prepare law students for real-world advocacy.

Join this session to gain practical tools and best practices for advancing CLE in the field of human rights and gender justice.