Clinical legal studies teach law clinic students how to conduct legal research; draft briefs, legal arguments, and other legal documents; and interview clients just as an attorney would do in a similar position. Even in criminal law, students are allowed to represent their clients in court. Some schools offer opportunities to second-year students as well. However, most law clinics are only open to third-year students. Clinics generally provide free legal guidance and supervision to clients, i.e., free legal services to the public. Legal clinics typically do not include classroom instruction. Before going out into the job market, students can gain valuable experience by participating in a legal clinic. Clinics are available in a variety of areas of law, including but not limited to:
- Community legal services
- Criminal law
- Elder law
- Environmental law
- Family law
- Human rights
- Immigration law
- Tax law
Renowned Clinics at Law Schools Across the Nation
Stanford Law School's Three Strikes Project is a great example of a criminal justice law clinic. Three Strikes represents convicts serving life sentences under California's three-strikes law for minor, non-violent felonies.
Immigration Clinic is one of many clinics at the University of Texas Law School. Students from the Immigration Clinic represent "vulnerable low-income immigrants from all over the world" in federal courts before the Department of Homeland Security.
"Best Clinical Training" was ranked number one by Georgetown Law School for its clinic offerings. The majority of Georgetown University Law School's clinics involve extensive community engagement, from Affordable Housing Transactions to Social Enterprises and Nonprofits. The Center for Applied Legal Studies, one of its highlights, represents refugees who are seeking political asylum in the United States pursuant to threats of persecution in their countries of origin.
Law students at Lewis and Clark's law school have access to the International Environmental Law Project clinic, which allows them to gain experience in environmental law. Working with endangered species protection groups and building new environmental laws are past projects.
Northwestern University's Pritzker School of Law's Appellate Advocacy Center clinic assists clients who are appealing their cases in the Seventh Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court of the United States has its own clinics that only deal with cases related to it. Stanford Law School, New York University Law School, Yale Law School, Harvard Law School, University of Virginia Law School, University of Texas Law School, Emory University Law School, Northwestern University Law School, University of Pennsylvania Law School, and Southwestern University Law School offer Supreme Court clinics. Clinics at the Supreme Court write and file amicus briefs, petitions for certiorari, and merits briefs.
Choosing a law school is an important decision since clinics vary greatly in terms of number and type.
For law students, gaining legal clinical experience is an excellent way to enhance their resume, as it will allow them to experience an area of the law without committing to it permanently.
How to Gauge the Strength of Law School Clinics?
Law school clinics provide comprehensive legal services, not just consultations.
The clinical programs at law schools are excellent when they are taught effectively, Law school professors say because they allow students to work with a client under the guidance of experienced attorneys who act as mentors.
Students who are interested in a specific legal discipline and who want to become marketable for jobs in that area tend to enroll in clinics that specialize in a specific area, such as environmental law or appellate law.
Law clinics give students the opportunity to do everything a lawyer does, as well as receive classes and training, says Aliza Kaplan, professor and director of Lewis & Clark Law School's Criminal Justice Reform Clinic.
Using a well-run clinic, Kaplan says students will have the chance to meet and speak with a client directly, and they might even be able to participate in trials. The experience helps law students gain confidence in their advocacy abilities, she says.
In addition, Kaplan says, law school clinics often represent indigent clients who cannot afford to pay for legal representation. Pro bono legal work gives inspiration to students who wonder how they can use their legal training to make a positive impact on society.
There are so many law students who are aspiring to change the world, says Kaplan.
In her words, students often participate in clinics in order to use their legal training philanthropically. She explains that the best way to judge a clinic is to learn what it has done for its clients in the past and to determine if it has made a significant, positive, and lasting impact on its community.
The following factors should be considered when comparing law school clinics:
Who Benefits From Clinics?
A number of law school clinics emphasize public service as their mission in the interests of politics, social justice, and constitutional law.
Experts say that aspiring prosecutors, public defenders, and private litigators can greatly benefit from attending a school with a strong clinical program that focuses on trial law and honing the rhetorical skills required to succeed in a trial setting.
Trial law clinics may not be appropriate for aspiring corporate attorneys who plan to specialize in transactional legal areas, such as mergers and acquisitions, says Thomas Simeone, managing partner at Simeone & Miller, a personal injury law firm in the District of Columbia. Some law schools, like Harvard Law School and Stanford Law School, offer transnational law clinics, despite most law school clinics focusing on trial work.
The clinical program of a school should be evaluated in light of the type of lawyer that prospective students want to be, says Simone, adjunct professor of trial advocacy at George Washington University Law School.
If you plan to work at a small law firm where trial work is expected or you have an interest in criminal law, having a strong clinical program is very important. Law school clinics in an area that tends to focus on litigation like landlord-tenant law are beneficial for aspiring trial attorneys, Simeone says since they force them to become familiar with a courtroom setting.
About Harrison Barnes
Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.
With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.
Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.
Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.
One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.
One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.
Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.
In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.
Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.
In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.
About BCG Attorney Search
BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.
Harrison Barnes does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for attorneys and law students each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can attend anonymously and ask questions about your career, this article, or any other legal career-related topics. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
Harrison also does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for law firms, companies, and others who hire attorneys each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
You can browse a list of past webinars here: Webinar Replays
You can also listen to Harrison Barnes Podcasts here: Attorney Career Advice Podcasts
You can also read Harrison Barnes' articles and books here: Harrison's Perspectives
Harrison Barnes is the legal profession's mentor and may be the only person in your legal career who will tell you why you are not reaching your full potential and what you really need to do to grow as an attorney--regardless of how much it hurts. If you prefer truth to stagnation, growth to comfort, and actionable ideas instead of fluffy concepts, you and Harrison will get along just fine. If, however, you want to stay where you are, talk about your past successes, and feel comfortable, Harrison is not for you.
Truly great mentors are like parents, doctors, therapists, spiritual figures, and others because in order to help you they need to expose you to pain and expose your weaknesses. But suppose you act on the advice and pain created by a mentor. In that case, you will become better: a better attorney, better employees, a better boss, know where you are going, and appreciate where you have been--you will hopefully also become a happier and better person. As you learn from Harrison, he hopes he will become your mentor.
To read more career and life advice articles visit Harrison's personal blog.
