Outline of the Relationship between Theoretical and Practical Aspects of Law Studies (At the Commencement of the Five-Year Unified Master’s Program at the University of Ljubljana Faculty of Law)

The introduction of a unified five-year master’s degree programme in law at the University of Ljubljana Faculty of Law will provide law students with a high-quality legal education that will meet the growing demands of legal prac- tice, even in times of new social challenges. The Faculty of Law also encourages the study of legal practice and the learning of legal skills during their stud- ies, however, with the aim of gaining additional practical experience, some students choose to work occasionally in law firms and in other areas of law. Although such work may be useful to some extent, it should not cause the student to neglect his or her studies. The time of study must be the time of study, and its predominantly theoretical orientation is a necessary and funda- mental prerequisite for the later successful professional activity of the lawyer. A deeper insight into the nature of legal theory and practice shows us that they are two poles (two condensations) of the same phenomenon, which, although separated in rational legal reflection, are nevertheless perceived as two neces- sarily interconnected sides of a lawyer’s knowledge and competence. There- fore, a part of quality theoretical teaching and study of law is also knowledge and critical evaluation of legal practice, just as a part of legal practice is an appropriate theoretical reflection that connects social reality with general and abstract legal principles and rules.

Key words: legal theory, legal practice, student, study of law, extracurricular activities, unified five-year master’s programme in law, University of Ljubljana Faculty of Law.