What do students do in this clinic?
Represent clients on appellate and postconviction review of their criminal convictions and sentences.
FAQ
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What happens in the classroom component?
Students will learn Minnesota criminal law from a bird’s-eye perspective. Each week’s discussion will focus on an aspect of the process to develop issue-spotting skills and introduce fundamental sources of law on each issue.
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What do students learn in this clinic?
Students will learn how to advise and advocate for their clients’ rights and interests
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When is this clinic offered?
Fall, spring, and some summers.
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How many credits?
Three credits -
Are students permitted or encouraged to take this clinic for additional semesters?
Yes, students may have the opportunity to continue as student directors. Having already taken this course, directors will be assigned more complex cases and research projects.
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Are there any required or recommended pre-requisites?
Per the student practice rules, you must either be concurrently enrolled in or successfully completed a professional responsibility course.
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Can students with full-time jobs take this clinic?
Class meetings and most of your coursework will occur at the Minnesota State Public Defender’s Office in St. Paul during traditional business hours. Work may be performed outside of those hours, but students often find it most fulfilling to work in the office with the attorneys.
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Can students who live outside the Twin Cities take this clinic?
This clinic requires a commitment of at least one day per week in our office in St. Paul and is therefore best suited to students who live in the area.
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Who should take this clinic?
The clinic would most benefit students who would like more exposure to the criminal court system, more practice writing motions and memoranda, and more experience with practical legal research.
Faculty and Staff
