Introduction to Legal Clinics
Legal clinics serve as an important component of legal education in American universities. In the United States, clinical legal education is a method of instruction in which students gain first-hand practical experience by observing and assisting professors working with clients on real cases. The significant attention that law schools devote to clinical education highlights their commitment to addressing the needs of students and the legal marketplace. Clinics are no longer simply electives , but rather a vital component of law school curriculum. The early twentieth century development of law schools in American universities set the stage for their future evolution and expansion. Legal clinics have since become, and must continue to be, a priority, not only for law schools but for the university as a whole.
Advantages of University Clinincs
The benefits of these university legal clinics to the students, to the community and to the legal profession are great. A law student working in the clinic gains practical experience, and has the opportunity to help others. Schools support community non-profit organizations by providing services relevant to their work. Local bar associations benefit as more attorneys are available to serve clients, and the community sees a decrease in the number of unrepresented persons in the justice system.
Law students will gain valuable experience by:
While the extent of involvement will vary based on the type of clinic, law students may have the opportunity to do any of the following:
• Interview clients and draft various documents, pleadings and letters
• Conduct research
• Argue before an administrative agency or a court
Comprehensive, experiential training programs enable the student to develop the skills necessary for competent legal representation.
Services Offered
American university legal clinics provide a diverse array of services that play an invaluable role in our communities. Some clinics offer pro bono services for individuals who would otherwise be unable to afford a lawyer. For example, some clinics assist with deportation and removal proceedings, unemployment claims, and Chapter 7 bankruptcy petitions. The goal is to provide free legal assistance to those who are facing a legal problem but are unable to retain the services of a qualified attorney.
Others offer legal aid – a practice which involves meeting the pressing legal needs of unrepresented persons who face significant legal issues. In many schools, this means providing free legal representation to low-income individuals and families, the elderly, non-English speakers, immigrants, children, victims of domestic violence, veterans, and the homeless, among other federally recognized categories. Students in these clinics provide legal representations for a wide range of civil pretrial and trial matters, along with administrative hearings and other proceedings before government agencies. Some clinics offer mediation and alternative dispute resolution services to help parties reach fair agreements outside of the courtroom.
Others conduct projects related to specific areas of law or the legal profession that either enhance or improve access to justice and the fair administration of justice across our communities. Such work can include producing research and literature, holding symposiums and seminars on topics related to either public or private practice of the law, and raising public awareness about legal issues that affect our communities.
Success Stories and Case Studies
Success stories and case studies of American university legal clinics are abundant and diverse, reflecting the wide-ranging impact of these vital programs on individuals and communities across the country.
At the University of Chicago Law School, students in the Environmental Litigation Clinic worked on a high-profile case involving tribal sovereignty and environmental protection. They represented the Yurok Tribe in a dispute over the operation of a hydroelectric dam on the Klamath River, which had significant implications for the tribe’s fishing rights and cultural practices. The students’ work helped secure a historic agreement for dam removal that would restore the river’s natural flow and benefit both the tribe and the environment.
In another example, students in the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law’s East Bay Community Law Center provided critical legal assistance to low-income residents facing eviction. The students represented clients in housing court , helped them negotiate payment plans, and connected them with social services. Their efforts prevented numerous families from becoming homeless and stabilized the housing situation in their communities.
The University of Maryland School of Law’s Intellectual Property Clinic has also made a significant impact by providing pro bono trademark services to small businesses and entrepreneurs. The clinic’s students have helped dozens of Maryland-based companies protect their intellectual property and compete in the marketplace, providing them with the legal expertise they need to succeed.
These case studies are just a few examples of the many ways that American university legal clinics have made a positive impact on individuals and communities in recent years. By providing critical legal services, equipping students with valuable skills, and advancing social justice, these clinics continue to play a vital role in the legal landscape of the United States.
Getting Involved
Both law students and members of the public can get involved with American University legal clinics. In terms of enrolling, all law students are required to take at least one upper level "law and practice" course during their last two years of law school, which includes a hands-on "clinic" component. Most first year students will take the course entitled "Lawyering Process" offered through each of the clinics. Clinics also offer summer and spring break externships and a judicial externship (fifth semester). Students apply to the legal clinics through a process administered by the Office of Field Placement and Externships, which handles all opportunities for clinical fieldwork. All law students receive an e-mail in the spring with information on the process and deadlines for applying.
Those who are not law students can get involved as well. Outside of the clinical offerings of the Washington College of Law, there are also general public service programs and internship opportunities.
American University students are also encouraged to join the Student Bar Association ("SBA") as well as additional student organizations related to your particular interest in law.
The Future of Legal Clinics in Education
As legal education continues to evolve, it is expected that the role of American university legal clinics will be influenced by advancements in technology, changes in legal practice, and new approaches to legal education. One possible trend is the integration of technology into legal clinic operations, which could significantly alter the way students learn and how clients are served. For example, virtual reality and artificial intelligence may allow law students to gain practical experience in a simulated environment, while also providing clients with more efficient and cost-effective services.
Another potential development could be the growth of collaborative legal clinics , where multiple law schools work together to serve clients and provide cross-jurisdictional legal services. This could be particularly beneficial for clients who have legal needs in multiple states or who require specialized legal expertise that is not offered by a single law school clinic.
A third possibility is that the demand for legal clinic services may increase as more individuals seek affordable legal assistance. This could lead to an expansion of existing clinics or the establishment of new ones to meet the growing demand.
Overall, the future of American university legal clinics is likely to be shaped by a combination of technological advancements, new legal needs, and changes in legal practice. Regardless of what the future holds, however, legal clinics are poised to remain a vital component of legal education and may continue to play a significant role in expanding access to justice.