The Criminal Defense Clinic is a two-semester, eight-credit
clinic. It is open to 15 students who have taken Criminal Law and
Criminal Procedure I. Students must also have taken Evidence and
Trial Advocacy, or must commit to taking them as co-curriculars
with the Clinic.
Each week, students participate in a two-hour seminar class at the
Law School. Topics covered in the seminar include:
- Legal ethics and professional responsibility in criminal
practice
- Substantive criminal law and criminal procedure law
- Lawyering skills (including but not limited to interviewing,
counseling and negotiation)
- Trial skills
- Motion writing
- Case preparation
- Evidence gathering
- Reflective lawyering
The seminar class also consists of case reviews, strategy
sessions and moot court sessions on particular cases.
In addition to taking the seminar class, students spend
approximately 15 hours a week working at their placement
organizations.
Grades will be based on student performance at the placement site
and in the clinic seminar. Clinic participation satisfies the
Advanced Practice Writing Requirement.
Contact us to learn more about the requirements for the
Criminal Defense Clinic.