With the aim of providing students with the necessary information to understand the operation and legal framework of the Legal Clinic and Conciliation Center, attached to the School of Law and Political Science at UIS, an induction is being held this week for future lawyers enrolled in Legal Clinic III for the first academic semester of 2026.
Given the social impact of their work as practicing lawyers, particularly regarding the rights of vulnerable and low-income populations in Bucaramanga and its metropolitan area, and in accordance with legal requirements, the various processes and lines of action in this area are being presented, enabling them to develop their practice efficiently and successfully. “From now on, they will put into practice what they have learned during previous semesters and exercise their legal rights by serving the beneficiaries of the aid programs.
They will also engage with legal professionals in defense of individual and collective rights in various cases. They must be mindful of the commitments they will undertake in this defense, as their work will be continuous,” stated Dr. Clara Inés Tapias Padilla, Director of the UIS Legal Clinic and Conciliation Center.
The faculty advisors who support this process were also introduced. Their valuable contributions help resolve the various situations faced by those who use the Clinic and Center’s services each week. It was announced that Dr. Gladys Patricia Zambrano will be providing legal advice in Private Law, succeeding Dr. Laura Jácome. The new advisor mentioned her availability for the announced position, given her thirty-three years of professional experience. Other professionals who will contribute their knowledge to the training of students in their internships were also mentioned.
Meanwhile, the School’s director, Professor Javier Alejandro Acevedo, in addition to officially welcoming everyone, announced that this semester a diploma program in Conciliation in Law will be offered to students completing their legal internships. This initiative aims to continue training professionals prepared in alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. He stated, “We want to make this moment special and valuable. We are here with most of your professors to share some things we want you to know. We are transforming and changing, and we have come to bring you good news.” Here you will learn what the operation of the university’s most important community outreach program entails: the legal clinic and mediation center. That’s why the university is committed to this project, and that’s why the quality of the professors, lawyers with extensive experience in the field, who will guide you. Feel welcome and supported.”
The welcoming voices of the directors were joined by that of Father Freddy Ramírez, who invited them to reflect on the service they will provide to the population they will serve. In addition to facing the various complexities of society and its conflicts, they will be responsible for the processes of those who are vulnerable in five dimensions: “those who are not, do not know, do not have, are not worth, and cannot, but through what each of you does, you can tell them that they are, they know, they have, they are worth, and they can; “To dignify these individuals by listening to them, caring for them, welcoming them, and giving them the opportunity to be seen.”
The various talks that will allow students to transition to the legal clinic practice during this first academic semester will be held until Friday, January 30
On Monday, February 2, 2026, the TRAINING IN EXTRAJUDICIAL CONCILIATION IN LAW will begin for ninth-semester Law students, corresponding to the first academic semester of 2026. This training is mandatory for the Legal Clinic III course.
