Civil Law Clinic
Civil Law Clinic
You’ll be responsible for the clients to whom you’re assigned. You’ll meet with them, assess their needs, and work collaboratively to problem-solve the issues at hand. This includes learning how to file pleadings in courts, negotiate with opposing counsel, engage in discovery, and participate in court appearances, trials, and hearings.
Take the lead on strategy and decision-making
The Civil Law Clinic is designed to teach civil law practice skills as well as the communication and analytical skills necessary for effective representation of clients in civil matters. While learning the necessary problem-solving, research, writing, and advocacy skills necessary for effective representation, we will think together about ethical issues that emerge in civil representation, the important dynamics present in lawyer-client relationships, and the role of the lawyer, litigation, and dispute resolution in helping our clients achieve their goals. Under faculty supervision, you will represent clients directly in a variety of civil matters and may work on a community lawyering project. The cases on our docket vary each semester, but we often handle cases in the following subject matter areas:
- Civil Rights
- Consumer Law
- Contracts
- Employment Law
- Landlord/Tenant
- Torts (including Personal Injury)
In class, you will receive instruction in client communication and counseling, negotiation, pretrial, and litigation skills. Your work will include both actual client representation as well as a variety of skills-building simulations and exercises. Throughout the course, your experiences in the classroom and your representation of clinic clients under supervision will aid your transition into professional life through a combination of structured classes and a law office setting that offers rich learning and professional development opportunities.
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Elizabeth Ilgen Cooke
