CLE Foundation and BABSEA CLE gave a workshop at North-Chiang Mai University (NCU) for the first time on September 6, 2012. The workshop aimed to teach NCU law students about what Clinical Legal Education (CLE) is, why we have CLE programs at universities, the goals of CLE, different models of CLE, and the current situation of CLE programs in Thailand.

CLE Foundation and BABSEA CLE gave a workshop at North-Chiang Mai University (NCU) for the first time on September 6, 2012. The workshop aimed to teach NCU law students about what Clinical Legal Education (CLE) is, why we have CLE programs at universities, the goals of CLE, different models of CLE, and the current situation of CLE programs in Thailand.

The participants were law students studying in the CLE class. This class just started this year, so it was not surprising that the students in the class did not know very much about CLE yet. They seemed quite shy when starting the workshop, possibly because we had international interns and volunteers participating in the workshop and students did not have good English skills. But after doing activities with our Fellows, interns and volunteers, they had more confidence and became brave enough to talk to our interns and volunteers.

This workshop was a chance for our Fellows, not only to be translators but also to be trainers and leaders. They did a good job in translation, because their English skills have improved. They also were good trainers, who could lead various topics in the workshop. They spoke loud and clear and definitely showed everyone their leadership qualities. Our interns and volunteers also did a good job. They fully participated in the activities to help the Fellows demonstrate the activity instructions and worked with NCU law students in group discussion activities.

Original article courtesy of BABSEA CLE

By Lisa Radtke Bliss, Associate Clinical Professor, Co-Director of HeLP Legal Services Clinic,

Georgia State University College of Law, USA

I was fortunate to arrive at BABSEA CLE Chiang Mai just as the Thai legal interns were finishing and the summer legal interns beginning, so I had the opportunity to get to know several of them at a time when the office was full of activity.

It was exhilarating to make so many new friends at once. Although travel halfway around the world to a new country can be disorienting, I felt welcomed as they kindly introduced me to local food and customs. I was immediately integrated into the daily work of BABSEA CLE with interns and Fellows as part of my orientation. I am impressed with the mentoring of interns and fellows that I observed. Their time with BABSEA CLE is preparing them to be the teachers and leaders of the future. There is a spirit of cooperation, collab-oration, and mutual support that helps everyone achieve their best. I also had the opportunity to co-teach a class with Doug Colbert to interns and fellows. We enjoyed seeing them show the skills they have learned and make presentations to us in English. Thai Fellow Tak is supporting my work here, and we help one another improve our Thai and English skills.

Moving to Mae Fah Luang

After orientation in Chiang Mai, I relocated to Chiang Rai with Tak to work with the law faculty at Mae Fah Luang University (MFLU). MFLU is located in the mountains outside of Chiang Rai and the campus is beautiful, with lovely views all around.

Before my arrival, I worked hard with Tak and the interns to practice my Thai. I was proud to be able to introduce myself to the Dean and faculty members here using my new skills. Fortunately, everyone here speaks English, so when I quickly reached the end of my useful vocabulary, we chatted in English. All of the classes at MFLU are taught in English, except the law classes. However, I am assisting Ajarns (professors) in developing the first law class to be taught exclusively in English. The course is designed to help law students learn lawyering skills, learn about social justice and improve their English skills. We are enjoying collaborating on the creation of something new; with the benefit of resources from BABSEA CLE, we have some lessons to draw from already. I am also assisting the faculty in the development of new clinical education opportunities, including establishing off-site clinics in surrounding communities.

I know my time here will go by quickly, and that I will take home many lessons about teaching and learning from my time here.

By Ann, Ben, Tak

Ann, BABSEA CLE Legal fellow

I knew when I finished my Bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Law at Chiang Mai University that I wanted to work for a non-governmental organization. And I already knew BABSEA CLE as an organization, because they provided technical assistance and financial support to the Legal Consultation Center at my university. I was drawn to the vision of BABSEA CLE of working for social justice for vulnerable people. So it’s my good fortune now to have the opportunity to work here as a CLE Legal Fellow. Community teaching to single mothers at Wildflower is a wonderful experience for me. Now, I’m working on a Pretrial Detention Project to support a clinician visiting us from an American law faculty.

Since BABSEA CLE is an international organization, being good at English is very important. Therefore, I have to study hard to improve my English so that I can work effectively with the BABSEA CLE team. Even though I’ve only been here three months, I have learned many things. And I’m ready and looking forward to learning more and more.

I love to use my legal knowledge to help people, and I enjoy working with people who have a pro-bono attitude about social justice. I don’t think I will be a lawyer though, because I don’t think it’s suitable for my personality. I’m happy to directly work for social justice for disadvantaged people. I love to see them smile when they know their legal rights. That’s enough to make me happy, too!

Ben, BABSEA CLE Legal fellow