Strengthening Legal Advocacy through Certified Paralegal Training for Law Students
Asep Hakim Zakiran (a), Syahrul Fauzul Kabir (a), Muhammad Ilman Abidin (a*)

a) Faculty of Law, Universitas Islam Bandung
Jalan Tamansari No. 1, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
muhammadilmanabidin[at]unisba.ac.id

Abstract

Access to justice remains a significant challenge in Indonesia, especially for marginalized communities. In Bandung, 92 out of 134 legal aid complaints in 2023 originated from this city alone-highlighting the urgent need for grassroots legal support. However, the limited number of paralegals has created a systemic gap. Simultaneously, the Faculty of Law at Universitas Islam Bandung (UNISBA) identifies weak practical legal skills as a key issue among its graduates. Addressing both problems, this community engagement initiative aims to enhance students^ advocacy competence through a structured and government-recognized paralegal training and certification program, in collaboration with PBKH UNISBA and eLSID Legal Aid Bureau.
Using a service-learning approach, the program involves classroom instruction, practical fieldwork, and final evaluation. The curriculum is based on Ministry of Law and Human Rights Regulation No. 3/2021 and includes modules on legal systems, human rights, community empowerment, and communication techniques. Students also complete a three-month practicum under legal aid organizations, engaging in both litigation support and non-litigation services such as legal education, community mediation, and policy advocacy.
This project produces certified paralegals who not only improve legal aid outreach in Bandung but also gain competitive soft skills aligned with national legal standards. Outcomes include publications in accredited journals, conference dissemination, copyright registration, and empowerment of local communities. The program contributes to SDG 16 by promoting inclusive legal access while strengthening the applied competencies of future legal professionals.

Keywords: Law- Paralegal- Advocacy- Training

Topic: Law and Ethics in Terms of Islamic Perspective