In the Criminal Records Clinic, you'll represent clients seeking expungement, sealing and other forms of criminal-record relief under Illinois law. Working under attorney supervision through the Greater Chicago Legal Clinic, you'll help clients address the lasting consequences of criminal records while developing practical skills in client interviewing and counseling, legal analysis, drafting and advocacy.
The Clinic combines a weekly classroom seminar with supervised legal practice. You'll examine the laws governing criminal-record relief, the collateral consequences of criminal records and the professional responsibilities involved in representing clients. Through direct client representation, you'll apply what you learn in the classroom while developing the judgment, communication skills and practical competence needed to represent clients effectively.
What You'll Do
- Represent clients seeking expungement, sealing and other forms of criminal-record relief under attorney supervision
- Interview and counsel clients to understand their goals, explain available options and guide them through the process of seeking relief
- Obtain and analyze criminal-history and court records to determine eligibility for relief under Illinois law
- Research legal issues and draft petitions, supporting documents and other court filings
- Communicate with courts, prosecutors, law enforcement agencies and other parties involved in assigned matters
- Prepare for hearings and, when authorized, participate in court proceedings under attorney supervision
Course Information
- Prerequisites: You must have an Illinois Supreme Court Rule 711 license to appear in court, which requires completion of at least half the credit hours needed for graduation
- Credit Hours: 3 credits (1 experiential credit hour; 2 out-of-class credit hours)
- Eligibility: Rising 2L and 3L students
- Fulfills the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Graduation Requirement