What does it mean to be a social lawyer or a social notary? What skills are needed, and what does a typical workday look like? For many students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), this is still an unfamiliar world.
Over two inspiring days, organized by the Faculty of Law, first-year students got a glimpse into practice, the challenges, and the impact they can make as legal professionals.
Social advocacy
On February 7, around 300 Law students were introduced to social advocacy. Unlike commercial law firms, where the focus is on mergers and acquisitions, social advocacy is about people. 'Clients from all walks of life come with various legal issues. Often, these are individuals for whom seeking legal assistance is not always straightforward, due to costs or language barriers,' explains organizer and educational developer Laura Geelen. 'This requires strong communication skills, empathy, and flexibility.'
Through visuals and practical examples, students gained a clear understanding of this branch of law. During a panel discussion, social lawyers - from newcomers to seasoned professionals - shared their experiences. They demonstrated that social engagement can be successfully combined with working at a renowned law firm, as many firms actively facilitate this. The financial aspect was also discussed. 'The negative perception that you can barely make a living from social advocacy was challenged,' says Geelen. 'Speakers explained how subsidized legal aid works and the differences between working independently versus joining a larger firm.'
Social advocacy covers a wide range of areas: labor law, tenancy law, family law - practitioners deal with it all. This contrasts sharply with commercial firms, where lawyers often spend years specializing in a single legal domain. Moreover, in social practice, lawyers engage with diverse legal issues and real clients from day one. Many students found this dynamic aspect appealing. They also learned about legal aid centers and advice clinics as accessible ways to gain practical experience. 'It ensures that the legal system remains fair and accessible to everyone,' one student concluded at the end of the day.
Social notarial practice
On February 14, the focus shifted to the social role of notaries. Unlike lawyers, notaries do not have access to a subsidized legal aid system. 'This raised many questions among the 60 Notarial Law students: why is there subsidized legal aid for lawyers but not for notaries? Especially since notarial work has a preventive function,' Geelen explains. 'By properly documenting an inheritance, for instance, future conflicts and lawsuits can be avoided. This benefits not only the people involved but also the legal system as a whole.'
Students discovered the many barriers that prevent people from consulting a notary: high costs, language barriers, lack of digital skills, and the formal appearance of notarial offices make legal assistance less accessible, particularly for vulnerable groups. By the end of the day, many students emphasized the importance of equal opportunities for everyone. 'By making notarial services more accessible, we contribute to greater equality in society,' one student stressed.
A pioneer in social notarial practice
A particularly inspiring example was Yvonne Vleeshouwers, who established a social notarial practice with a physical office in Den Bosch. There, she assists people with a wide range of legal matters. Plans are in place to expand this initiative to other regions. 'Not everyone needs to start a foundation, but simply being aware of the accessibility of notarial services can make a big difference,' says Geelen. 'Students received practical insights on how to contribute, such as choosing to work at firms that engage in socially responsible business practices.'
Raising awareness of law’s social role
These events were true eye-openers. An interactive poll revealed that few students had prior knowledge of social advocacy and social notarial practice. By the end, that had completely changed. Students became more aware of the societal role of (notarial) lawyers and were inspired to look beyond commercial career paths, which often seem the most obvious choice. This was a major win for social advocacy and social notarial practice, as both fields are actively seeking new professionals. Some students were so enthusiastic that they immediately approached speakers to inquire about student assistant positions.
What’s next?
These two days were just the beginning. VU is exploring ways to highlight social legal practice more frequently, such as through career services, the faculty's job portal, and even within the curriculum. The legal world extends far beyond corporate law, and there is much to gain in these areas. 'This initiative aligns with VU’s mission to educate responsible global citizens. It is crucial that students are aware of the broader impact of their future careers from the very start and understand the active role they can play in an inclusive society,' says Geelen.
