This article as part of a research work that analyzes the role of legal clinics at the Ibero-American universities, aims to present the perception of clinical teachers and students about the needs, functions and challenges of clinics in legal training. It begins with a conceptual and historical presentation that allows to dis- tinguish and recognize the evolution of clinical legal education movement in Ibero-America. Later, assess the model in six countries (Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Spain). Was used SWOT methodology, from the perception of clinical teachers —obtained through the implementation of interviews in depth— and the perception of students that integrate or have integrated legal clinics in Latin America —with a survey—. The article finishes with conclusions, seeking to highlight the main challenges, and above all, the need to reconsider and assess the methodology of clinical legal education as an integral pedagogic educational tool.