Academic Programs

Family Law Clinic

Fall or spring semester: 3 credits
In the Family Law Clinic, you are responsible for a divorce case and a domestic violence case referred to the clinic by the Legal Aid Society. You will interview clients, prepare pleadings, prepare clients for court appearances, represent clients in court, and take all other actions necessary on their behalf. Through cases, class discussions, assignments and related work, the clinic provides an essential practical overview of how to handle various family law matters. You will gain an appreciation of how the actions, communications and judgment of a person handling a family law matter affect the well-being of each member of a client’s family, not only during the course of representation, but for years to come. At the same time, you gain an appreciation of how race, gender and class affect outcomes. In order to fully participate in the clinic, you will need to qualify for Supreme Court 711 certification. In special circumstances, you can enroll in the clinic with fewer credit hours; however, you will not be able to speak in court on behalf of clients. The Family Law Clinic also counts as a practicum for the family law certificate.