In an effort to strengthen access to justice and empower communities, Legal Clinic Myanmar (LCM) continues to invest in its community-based paralegal network through an ongoing Paralegal Capacity Strengthening Program. This Initiative focuses on enhancing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of paralegals who live and work within their own communities.
Community-Based Approach
LCM’s paralegals are rooted in the communities they serve. With a deep understanding of local issues and concerns, they play acritical role in identifying, they play a critical role in identifying needs, providing basic legal support, and connecting community members with appropriate services. They also play a key role in case management and referral services-ensuring that individuals receive timely, appropriate, and coordinated support, including referrals to legal, protection, and other specialized service providers. By strengthening their capacity, LCM ensures that legal support is accessible, trusted, and reponsive.
Continuous Learning and Skills Development
Each year, LCM designs and delivers tailored training programs to further develop paralegals’ competencies. These trainings go beyond basic legal knowledge, focusing on practical skills and ethical approaches to community engagement and support. Key areas of capacity strengthening include:
-
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and medication techniques
-
- Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and child protection (CP)
-
- Safe Migration & Anti Human Trafficking
-
- Housing, Land and Property (HLP) rights
-
- Labor rights
-
- Criminal defense
- Case Management & Referral
Paralegals also engage in practical exercises, peer learning, and real-case discussions to strengthen their problem-solving and response capacity.
Strengthening Community Protection and Access to Justice
Through this approach, paralegals serve as a vital bridge between communities and formal legal systems. They support early dispute resolution, raise awareness of rights, and contribute to community-based protection mechanisms, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Looking Ahead
With an established nationwide network of community-based paralegals, LCM continues to invest in their capacity and effectiveness. Our focus is to further strengthen access to justice and community-based protection, ensuring that communities across Myanmar can claim and protect their rights.