26/08/2026
Courtesy Visit and Discussion on Institutional Collaboration Between Haramaya University College of Law and the Federal Supreme Court of Ethiopia
Haramaya University College of Law was pleased to welcome Hon. Mr. Abebe Solomon, Representative and Head of the Office of the Vice-President of the Federal Supreme Court of Ethiopia, for a courtesy visit and a constructive discussion on potential areas of institutional collaboration and partnership.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity for the College of Law and the Federal Supreme Court to exchange views on areas of mutual interest and explore opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the two institutions. The discussion underscored the importance of developing sustainable institutional partnerships that contribute to the advancement of justice, legal education, research, professional development, and access to justice.
During the discussion, particular attention was given to potential areas of collaboration, including strengthening access to justice, legal research and knowledge sharing, professional development and practical training, institutional capacity building, and the exchange of expertise and experience. The parties also explored opportunities for joint initiatives that could enhance the effectiveness of both institutions while contributing to the broader efforts to improve access to justice and the delivery of justice services.
The Dean of the College of Law, Dr. Richard J. Wentzell emphasized the College’s longstanding commitment to access to justice, legal education, research, and community engagement. He highlighted the College’s Free Legal Aid Service Program, Clinical Legal Education Program, and various research and community service initiatives as important platforms through which the College contributes to the justice sector and serves vulnerable and underserved communities.
Dr. Wentzell further noted that collaboration with the Federal Supreme Court would provide an important platform for strengthening these initiatives while creating meaningful opportunities for students, legal professionals, academics, and justice-sector institutions to learn from and work with one another. Such cooperation, he emphasized, can contribute to bridging the gap between legal education and practice.
Dr. Wentzell also reaffirmed the importance of closer cooperation between academic institutions and justice-sector institutions in responding to emerging legal and justice-related challenges. He emphasized that sustainable partnerships can play a significant role in strengthening the capacity of future legal professionals, promoting evidence-based legal practice and research, facilitating knowledge exchange, and improving access to justice for vulnerable and underserved communities.
The courtesy visit also provided an opportunity to discuss the possibility of developing concrete joint initiatives, professional and academic exchange programs, capacity-building activities, legal research collaborations, practical training opportunities, and other mechanisms for institutional knowledge sharing. These areas of cooperation could provide a strong foundation for a mutually beneficial relationship between Haramaya University College of Law and the Federal Supreme Court of Ethiopia.
Haramaya University College of Law sincerely appreciates Hon. Mr. Abebe Solomon for his courtesy visit, constructive engagement, and interest in strengthening institutional relations. The College looks forward to continued discussions and the development of concrete initiatives aimed at establishing a strong, sustainable, and mutually beneficial partnership with the Federal Supreme Court of Ethiopia.
Haramaya University College of Law
Advancing Legal Education, Justice, Research, and Community Service.