Summary

The Minister of Justice examines the current situation of legal education, its reforms, and co-operation between the ministry and academia.
The author argues that the situation where, apart from the University of Tartu, five private universities award academic law degrees does not ensure the necessary quality of legal education, the effective use of resources and avoidance of duplication. At the same time, it is important that choice and progressive competence should be available in the market for legal education. The experience of the Ministry of Justice has shown that the standards of graduates of private universities are sufficient for commencement of independent professional activity.
The judicial system would need at least 15–20 new lawyers per year. Therefore, state commissioned education to such extent should be maintained in the near future.
According to the applicable regulations, completion of an academic programme of at least 4 years is necessary for employment in the traditional positions of jurists. As of 2002, the model 3+2 has been introduced. However, it is yet to be determined how to make best use of specialists having completed the minimum three years of academic study.
Co-operation between the Ministry of Justice as a client and academic circles is important in the development of curricula meeting the demands and expectations of the society. Also, the Ministry of Justice could be involved in examinations of the knowledge of graduates. There should be continued co-operation between the universities and the ministry in carrying out the legal reforms and more emphasis should be laid on legal policy issues.