Clinical Programs
Second- and third-year students are eligible to participate. Some clinical positions require Third-Year Practice Certification. Preference is generally given to third-year students.
The clinical programs offer students the opportunity to integrate legal theory with practical experience. Participation in the clinics affords students the opportunity to assume the role of lawyer, to work with clients, to enhance substantive knowledge of specialized areas of the law, to hone lawyering skills, to explore professional responsibility issues and to gain a better understanding of legal institutions. By the conclusion of the semester, students often have a greater sense of purpose and express far more confidence in their own abilities.
The Children's Law Center is comprised of the Delinquency Clinic, the Disability Law Clinic, and the Juvenile Law and Policy Clinic. The Advanced Children's Law Clinic is available to students who have completed either the Delinquency Clinic or the Disability Law Clinic.
The Clinical Placement Program (CPP) is divided into four sections: Civil, Criminal, Judicial and Litigation.
You may take a total of twelve clinic hours. Both the Children's Law Center and the CPP give preference to students who have not previously participated in their programs. However, a student who has participated in the CPP who applies to the Children's Law Center, or vice-versa, will be treated as a first-time applicant because students are encouraged to participate in both programs.
Students in the CPP have a wider choice of placements and are likely to work on a larger number and wider range of cases. Students in the Children's Law Center work in more depth on a few types of cases, and work closely with other students and with faculty members. Regardless of subject matter or placement, students will gain similar benefits in professional development.
Students in the CPP will work with lawyers and judges in their offices or chambers. Students in the Children's Law Center work with faculty members in clinic offices at the law school.
For more information
Clinical Placement Program: Professor Margaret I. Bacigal, Administrative Director, (804) 289-8950
Disability Law Clinic: Professor Adrienne Volenik, Director, (804) 287-6093
Delinquency Clinic: Professor Kelley Bartges, Director, ( 804) 289-8205
Juvenile Law and Policy Clinic: Melissa Coretz Goemann, Director, (804) 287-6468
Clinical Programs Administrative Assistant: Ms. Jessie Munn, (804) 289-8921