Clinics & Externships

What to Expect

Enrolling in a clinic gives you an opportunity to represent real clients under the close supervision of a faculty member while learning key lawyering skills and values. In the Clinical Program's law firm, you will have ample opportunity to gain the skills needed to handle your cases by participating in orientation sessions, weekly classes and simulations that focus on interviewing, counseling, litigation skills, research, ethical issues, and substantive law and procedure. Significant class time is dedicated to discussion of cases, with an opportunity to consider advice from your peers on strategy and professional responsibility. In addition, you will meet regularly with your supervisor to discuss your individual cases.

As a clinic student, you are primarily responsible for the case. You will:   • Interview and counsel your client.   • Develop a case theory and a case plan to achieve the client's goals.   • Identify and resolve the ethical issues that arise in your case.   • Investigate the facts of your client's case.   • Find the law controlling your client's case.   • Draft complaints, answers, motions, applications, briefs, and evidentiary exhibits.   • Conduct negotiations and discovery.   • Sit at counsel table at trials.   • Be your client's advocate.

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