Launched in December 2019, the first Legal Incubator in Bulgaria had the goals to create a learning environment that would provide professional space and educational programs for the establishment of a law practice and a law firm, as well as to develop professionally lawyers who would focus their practices in the areas of law with the greatest impact on vulnerable communities. In its execution, the program strived to fill a gap created by the significant economic and social inequalities for the poor communities in alignment with the original idea of Legal Incubators as developed by Fred Rooney – to promote social justice and community service, while building networks and upgrading the experience of the Incubator participants under the careful supervision of mentors - distinguished law professionals.
Legal Incubator 3 – Legalpreneurs’ Lab will build further on the mission of the Legal Incubator to tackle injustice and continuously build and upgrade the young law professionals’ potential to contribute to more successful inclusion of the most deprived communities in Bulgaria, while providing the former with sustainable employment as independent or employed legal professionals.
The project will provide physical space, trainings and ongoing mentorship support to 45 law university (4th and 5th year) students and law graduates who are passionate about the future of their country and community. Equipping them with focused knowledge in practicing law, hands-on experience on various legal issues, teaching them how to plan, focus, organize and potentially start off their solo practice will be of immense value to their professional development. The project will also include the alumni group from the previous years of the Legal Incubator in providing pro bono and low bono legal services. Creating and nurturing a learning community will help to also inspire other young Roma and non-Roma to pursue higher education and embrace the need to tackle the enduring discrimination and stereotypical attitude toward Roma and other vulnerable groups.
The concept of the current project builds upon the lessons learnt and the evaluation exercise of the previous years of the Legal Incubator, and is moved by the motivation of the Incubator participants to pursue purpose-driven legal work.