how do clinics in law schools work? Forum

[sangr]

just wondering

exactly

how + when do clinics happen?

[kalvano]

Typically 3rd year at my school, after you've taken Evidence. They are hard to get into and you basically get to be a real lawyer in whatever the clinic is, meeting with real clients and going to court and learning how it all works, under the supervision of real lawyers.

[03121202698008]

At Michigan you can do clinics 2L as MI is one of like 2-3 states that lets 2Ls appear in court. Ours aren't that hard to get into.

[sangr]

thanks
does participation in such things affect job placement at all? (adversely or positively)

[03121202698008]

thanks
does participation in such things affect job placement at all? (adversely or positively)

It'd be a positive but most people already have a 2L SA position lined up before then.

[Opie]

In Iowa you can apply for a student license after 3 semesters. Students here begin representing clients in clinics their fourth semester. Same with prosecutor internships.

[kalvano]

thanks
does participation in such things affect job placement at all? (adversely or positively)

Depends on what you want to do. If prosecution or defense is your goal, then yes, they can help immensely. If Big or Mid law, then no, probably not.

[lzyovrachievr]

At my school, you can start doing clinics your 2L year.

We also have pro bono service organizations that allow you to appear in court and argue for things like unemployment benefits or temporary restraining orders for your client as a 1L.

Edit: (And there are no general required classes like evidence, etc. Your specific clinic might have a pre-req.)

[kalvano]

I should clarify, clinics are open to anyone who has taken Evidence, but that class is always so packed, you almost have to be a 3L in order to have taken it.