What do students do in this clinic?
Represent clients who have filed charges with the EEOC based on claims of employment discrimination. Each team of two students is assigned two mediations, and each student is the lead counsel on one of the mediations. Students review personnel records, employer policies, and other documents; prepare advocacy notebooks and opening statements; and engage in creative problem-solving to meet the client’s needs and interests.
FAQ
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What happens in the classroom component?
Interviewing and counseling simulations, background information on employment law and alternative dispute resolution; guest speakers, and discussion of students’ work in ongoing cases.
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What do students learn in this clinic?
Client interviewing, counseling, and advocacy with clients from diverse backgrounds; the impact that discrimination based on racial, ethnic, age, religion, sex and sexual orientation has on employment; and the broader consequences of employment decisions on access to health care and other benefits.
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When is this clinic offered?
Every fall and spring.
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How many credits?
Three
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Are students permitted or encouraged to take this clinic for additional semesters?
Students who demonstrate strong skills may be invited to be a Student Director in subsequent semesters. Student directors serve as liaisons with the EEOC, do class presentations, and help to develop simulations based on the prior semester’s cases.
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Are there any required or recommended pre-requisites?
Professional Responsibility is a pre-requisite, but students can be concurrently enrolled in PR and the clinic. Recommended courses include Employment Law, Employment Discrimination, Mediation, or Negotiation, but it is not necessary to have taken these courses.
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Can students with full-time jobs take this clinic?
Students must be available for two full weekdays during the semester to do the mediations. Scheduling of these days is flexible. Students must also be available to meet with clients and with the supervising faculty member, but these meetings can be scheduled in the day or in the evening.
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Can students who live outside the Twin Cities area take this clinic?
No -
Who should take this clinic?
Students with an interest in Employment Law; students pursuing a Certificate in Conflict Resolution Theory and Practice; or any student who wants to hone his or her civil advocacy skills.
Faculty and Staff
