Tags:access to justice clinic civil
The Civil Clinic is designed to teach essential skills (interviewing, counseling, problem-analysis, negotiation) for the practice of law. The class promotes reflection upon individual strengths and preferences in legal work.
Course: Lawyering Skills (3 cr., graded, Fall, Spring & Summer). This course teaches the theory and practice of interviewing and counseling (through readings, demonstrations, role-playing, and videotaped exercises) and introduces the problem-solving strategies of negotiation and advocacy. The class also serves as a forum for students to reflect upon their live clinic experiences. Grades are based upon videotaped performances and short reflective writing. Lawyering Skills should be taken concurrently with the placement or before the placement.
Placements (2 – 5 cr., P/F, Fall, Spring, & Summer): Students will apply and develop lawyering skills in representing their own clients at public interest law offices and with pro bono attorneys. They interview & advise clients, develop strategies, and negotiate & advocate on their clients’ behalf in administrative & court hearings. Placements include:
Students’ legal work may involve family problems, wills, public benefits, basic necessities, housing, immigration, individual rights or protection of the elderly or disabled. Typically a student specializes in only one area of law during any one semester.
**Certain of the above placements are also available in conjunction with substantive courses as part of the Victims Clinic, Disability Clinic, Elder Law Clinic, Consumer Clinic, Family Law Practice Clinic, & Law Practice Clinic.**
Faculty: Professor Linda F. Smith
Registration & Placement: Students may enroll in the course online. Students must complete the Clinical Program Application and Placement Preference Form in order to indicate placement preferences and background. Students will then be enrolled in the clinic.
Students who have previously taken the Lawyering Skills course may enroll in the placement component of the Civil Clinic in a subsequent semester.
LAW 7920-001: Lawyering Skills
Fall: Aug. 17-21, 9:00am – 4:30pm & 6 scheduled meetings thereafter
Spring: Thursday & Friday, 9:10 – 10:35 am
LAW 7930-001: Civil Clinic
Fall or Spring (2 – 5 credits)