What do students do in this clinic?
Students use basic civil advocacy skills to represent individual clients. Recently, the clinic has focused on employment issues arising out of job losses due to the COVID pandemic. Students represent low-wealth individuals in administrative hearings and, when necessary, at appeals in the Minnesota Court of Appeals.
FAQ
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What happens in the classroom component?
Discussion of lawyering skills and themes, such as law reform and ethical challenges; case rounds, small written assignments and class presentations.
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What do students learn in this clinic?
Listening; collaborating with clients as partners; fact investigation; systems investigation; context investigation; creative problem-solving and solution-framing; legal research; persuasive advocacy; client counseling; settlement negotiation and drafting; witness preparation; critical reflection; making the justice process uplifting or inspiring for clients and communities.
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When is this clinic offered?
Every fall and spring
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How many credits?
2-3
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Are students permitted or encouraged to take this clinic for additional semesters?
Students who begin in the fall sometimes want to continue in the spring to complete ongoing work, but it is not required.
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Are there any required or recommended pre-requisites?
Professional Responsibility and Advocacy
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Can students with full-time jobs take this clinic?
Yes, but students need to have the flexibility to conduct some work, such as client interviews and hearings, during business hours.
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Can students who live outside the Twin Cities take this clinic?
Student may participate remotely, but some work on cases in Minnesota may be necessary. Students interested in remote participation should consult with the professor prior to registration. -
Who should take this clinic?
Anyone who wants to learn to build a case for a client and then take that case to resolution; anyone interested in small or solo practice focused in communities; anyone who wants to explore the types of clients with whom they prefer to work.
Faculty and Staff
