Clinical Programs

A Unique Combination of Theory and Practice

The Clinical Programs at the Moritz College of Law provides an approach to clinical education that is distinctive among American law schools. Since 1935, the faculty at the college has recognized that problem solving, factual investigation, counseling, negotiation, and litigation skills are best learned by combining the actual practice of law, in which students take responsibility for their own cases, with an intensive academic experience in the classroom. Moritz typically conducts each of these clinics with a two-person faculty team. The teams both provide expertise in the theory and doctrine of a particular area of law and help students develop hands-on legal experience. Under the guidance and mentoring of this faculty team, law students get a taste of the satisfactions and challenges of a legal career.

The American Bar Association recognizes that clinical programs are an essential component of legal education. Our graduates realize that, too. When polled about the value of these practical classes, more than two-thirds of Moritz Law alumni recommended that all law students take at least one clinical course. Likewise, employers value the practical training clinic graduates bring with them to the practice of law.

Moritz Law students may begin taking clinical courses in their second year. In the Mediation Practicum, they serve as court-appointed mediators in pending cases, helping parties resolve cases ranging from back pay demanded by immigrant workers to child care disputes between divorcing parents. Another option for second-year students is the Legislation Clinic, in which they work with leaders of the Ohio General Assembly and other key legislative players, assisting them with research, analysis, and monitoring of the lawmaking process.

Third-year students who meet the Supreme Court of Ohio's internship requirements may enroll in courses that permit them to represent clients under the supervision of Moritz Law faculty, all licensed attorneys. Students may choose from among four litigation clinics: civil, criminal prosecution, criminal defense, and justice for children.

In recent years, students in these clinics have represented clients in both federal and state cases. Two of the cases in the Civil Clinic have gone to the U.S. Supreme Court, and clinic students have been crucial in preparing briefs and arguments. Another case involved a five-day jury trial in federal court, tried almost entirely by Moritz Law students.

In the Criminal Defense and Prosecution Clinics, students regularly appear in local courts in misdemeanor cases, learning how to prepare witnesses, negotiate plea bargains, and try criminal cases. Students in the Justice for Children Practicum not only represent minors in the local juvenile court, but have also filed state Supreme Court amicus curiae briefs addressing groundbreaking issues affecting children.