Claudia Beetz

Prof. Dr. Claudia Beetz is a Professor of Law and Dean of the Department of Social Work at the Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences in Jena. Specializing in civil law (family, guardianship, labor) and social law, her work focuses on rights of people in diverse life situations, including disability, employment, caregiving, aging, and financial hardship. She previously served as a judge in Saxony-Anhalt’s social courts, handling cases related to social security, guardianship, and family law.

Education: Law studies at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (First State Exam 2001), Master of Medicine, Ethics, and Law (M.mel., 2008), and a doctorate on patient autonomy in legal representation (2011).

Research interests span legal frameworks for vulnerable populations, labor rights, guardianship reform, and social welfare policy. Current projects include evaluations of legal reforms affecting child welfare and court proceedings. Supervised theses address topics like inclusive social work, guardianship law, and financial protection for youth.

Teaching includes foundational law modules and mentoring for first-year social work students. Active in curriculum development and improving study conditions through peer-group consultations.