At the FLD, law is also learned through practice

Studying law is, of course, about acquiring a solid foundation of legal knowledge, mastering rules of law and developing the intellectual rigour that the field demands. But it is also about learning to apply that knowledge in real-world situations.

At the Faculty of Law of the Université Catholique de Lille, this belief has shaped our teaching approach for many years. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to experiment, analyse, argue, draft and defend legal positions through a range of learning experiences designed to bring them as close as possible to professional practice.

Understanding the law

A solid grasp of the law is based first and foremost on the acquisition of core knowledge and rigorous analytical skills.

Throughout their studies, students learn how to interpret legal texts, classify situations, build legal arguments and use legal sources accurately and effectively. Lectures, tutorials and seminars therefore provide the essential foundations of their legal education.

However, at the Faculty of Law of the Université Catholique de Lille, learning does not stop at theory.

Practising law

From their very first year, students are encouraged to put their knowledge into practice through the Legal Clinic, which has been progressively developed within the Faculty since 2016.

Each semester, several hours are dedicated to exercises inspired by real-life situations. Students learn how to apply the concepts studied in class to practical legal issues.

In the Licence Droit & Culture Juridique, for example, students may plead a case through role-play exercises, draft contracts and legal documents, analyse complex situations, or advise a fictional company facing a range of legal challenges.

This experiential approach can be found across all programmes offered by the Faculty. Students enrolled in the Licence européenne de droit bilingue/trilingue take part in Legal Clinics conducted in English and work on international or European legal disputes. In the Licence Droit & Gestion de l’entreprise, practical exercises combine law, management and strategic analysis through the Business Clinic. In the Licence Droit & Science Politique, the Rhetoric Clinic helps students develop their argumentation and public speaking skills.

From September 2026, the new Licence Droit & Média will also include a clinic dedicated to freedom of expression, combining legal analysis with practical workshops.

Experiencing law in practice

As students progress through their studies, they gain increasing autonomy and are exposed to situations that closely reflect those they will encounter in their future careers.

At Master’s level, legal clinics, professional practice seminars, simulations and projects carried out in partnership with external organisations allow students to deepen this experience.

Depending on their specialisation, students may work on cases submitted by companies, public institutions, healthcare organisations or professional bodies. They take part in litigation simulations, provide legal guidance to citizens, practise mediation or negotiation in real-life scenarios, and learn to develop strategies tailored to complex legal issues.

Several programmes also include Law in Action initiatives, which place students in situations inspired by real professional practice. They are required to analyse all aspects of a case, identify the most appropriate legal solutions and formulate recommendations suited to their clients or stakeholders.

This gradual immersion enables students to develop the reflexes, skills and professional mindset expected of future legal professionals.

A practice-oriented legal education

Training future lawyers and legal professionals is not simply about transmitting knowledge. It is also about teaching students how to apply that knowledge, explain it clearly and use it to address real-world situations.

Through the clinics, workshops, simulations and projects integrated throughout the curriculum, the Faculty of Law of the Université Catholique de Lille places practice at the heart of the learning experience.

This approach allows students to develop confidence, independence and professionalism, while giving practical meaning to the legal knowledge they acquire every day.