Note * This blog both doesn’t portray any legal clinic and portrays almost all of them at the same time. Identify yourself or think that this is definitely not about you. Just in case, I will mention – all coincidences are NOT accidental.
Vasylko’s story
There are legal clinics as old suitcases. With once invented directions and organization approaches. Seemingly correct, but a little awkward.
They can be inherited thrice. The new (or long-immutable) “owner” (head of the legal clinic) is not very happy about this, he would like to change something but perceives its organizational model as an inviolable value. Such “legal suitcases” are being inconveniently pushed, instead of fixed with a handle or wheels. Advise to Vasylko – do not be shy, fix and carry conveniently. Read the recommendations of the Association of Legal Clinics of Ukraine – we will tell you how.
Lola’s story
There are legal clinics out of a sense of duty (guilt). When someone burdened (unburden) them. Someone “senior to send”. And you can’t turn it down (because “the evil (good) dean”), but you don’t want to deal with it too. Hint – run, Lola, run. As soon as they turn away. Don’t push yourself.
There are legal clinics as a hobby. When you want this. This is good, right? Well, not always. They are usually of two types: the stories of Petryk and Marusia.
Marusia’s story
When you want and can. You easily meet the quality standards of the Association. You set and achieve your more complex priorities. In the end, you get respect and envy (where else without this in motherland), and financing as a bonus. Different. New goals and projects are added to this; not less interesting. This is the right hobby. We in the Association welcome this and will be happy to present new goals and opportunities.
Petryk’s story
When you want, but not quite. You want to do what you love, but don’t want what the Association asks in the Standards. You demand your own rules (usually, it means – smaller, inconspicuous and chaotic, but do not forget to praise me).
You resist any attempt to show what you are doing. According to the official version – “because they will steal ideas.” We read – “because there is nothing to show”.
This is the wrong hobby. We in the Association are against it.
What is the moral of this fairy tale? Be like Marusia, don’t be like Petryk.
Author:
Andrii Halai, Member of the Board of the Association of Legal Clinics of Ukraine