Academic Programs

Misdemeanor Legal Clinic

Fall or spring semester: 4 credits
The Misdemeanor Clinic provides you with a vertical criminal defense representation experience. You will represent defendants in pending Illinois criminal misdemeanor cases from beginning to end. This includes the initial client interview; client education and advice at different stages of the case; all aspects of motion and trial preparation; case-specific legal research, investigation techniques and strategies; witness preparation; negotiation with the government; and preparation for a bench or jury trial. You will contribute to class sessions after reading assigned materials, attend weekly progress meetings with the professor, and participate in role-playing sessions. You are not only expected to work on your own case, but also to have a working knowledge of your colleagues' cases.