Asst. Prof. Kristian Turkalj, Ph.D.
Acting Dean

Dear students,

The Faculty of Law of the Catholic University of Croatia was officially established on November 12, 2024, following a decision by the University. Its founding marks the culmination of years of dedicated effort to develop an integrated undergraduate and graduate program in Law. The preparation and design of this innovative Law Study Program involved contributions from prominent national and international scholars, legal practitioners, and law students. The development of the Law Study Program began with a thorough assessment of existing legal education practices in Croatia and abroad. This process was further enriched by insights from potential employers, who provided valuable input on the key competencies they expect from future lawyers.

The study program is designed to integrate theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical values, ensuring the holistic development and training of future lawyers. The mandatory part of the program emphasizes core legal competencies and covers all essential legal disciplines. It includes the courses required for the Bar Exam, equipping students with the knowledge and preparation needed for this critical milestone in their legal careers.

The study program is also characterized by a significant emphasis on electives, offering students a wide range of choices to personalize their educational journey according to their own interests. These electives are organized into seven key areas, enabling students to direct and manage their own professional development and education.

The practical part of the program is structured through practicums that complement all major groups of legal courses. These practicums are conducted across a diverse range of settings, including courts, state attorney's offices, law and notary firms, corporations, and state administration bodies. This approach enables students to apply their knowledge in real-world environments while gaining firsthand experience in various legal professions and an in-depth understanding of how their professional environment operates. 

A key advantage of studying law at the Catholic University of Croatia is its personalized approach to education, which also includes individual approach and mentoring for students. This is made possible by the intentionally small enrolment quota, limiting each generation to just 40 students per year.

Another significant feature of the Law study at the Catholic University of Croatia is its strong emphasis on preparing students for the European and international labor markets. Recognizing the realities of a globalized world, the program aims to equip future lawyers with the skills and knowledge needed to compete successfully beyond the Croatian labor market.

The program ensures high employability of future lawyers by facilitating connections with potential employers during their studies. This not only enhances their career opportunities, but also helps students identify the legal professions that best align with their preferences and interests.

The integrated university structure offers significant advantages, particularly through interdisciplinary opportunities and the inclusion of various innovative courses. Notably, the compulsory part of the program features unique offerings not available at other law faculties in Croatia, such as Basics of Communication Skills in Law, Practicum - Drafting Legal Acts, Basics of Canon Law, Law and Artificial Intelligence, and Ethics of the Legal Profession, among others.

Finally, it is worth emphasizing the excellent study conditions at the University campus, which is located just a few tram stops from the city center. The university’s single-campus setup fosters a vibrant community where students and faculty from diverse disciplines can connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas, enriching the academic experience.

The campus boasts impressive facilities and cutting-edge equipment for academic and research activities. All lecture halls and seminar rooms are equipped with the latest technology. The University also features a modern library offering an optimal learning environment, along with a large conference hall, a radio and television studio, and a café on campus. The library is well-equipped, providing students and faculty with efficient access to major international databases. With the upcoming opening of the student canteen and a dormitory, the University’s facilities with continue to enhance the experience for both students and faculty.