What do students do in this clinic?
Students in the First Amendment: Activism Clinic work on the front lines of First Amendment advocacy—supporting the legal and policy infrastructure that protects the right to nonviolent protest. Under close faculty supervision, students may represent clients engaged in peaceful political action, contribute to amicus briefs, advise or train activist groups, and conduct legal and factual research related to protest rights and policy reform.
Each semester’s projects respond to emerging community needs and current events. Students might, for example, help a coalition challenge restrictive protest ordinances, draft policy recommendations for safer campus demonstrations, or advise local organizations on the legal boundaries of civil disobedience. Through this work, students learn to translate legal knowledge into strategic, ethical, and practical advocacy that strengthens democratic participation.
FAQ
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What happens in the classroom component?
The seminar introduces the jurisprudence of protest, ethical lawyering in movement spaces, and practical skills in advising activists. Students engage in discussion, simulations, and case studies that connect theory to live client and policy work.
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What do students learn in this clinic?
Students develop skills in client counseling, legal research and writing, policy advocacy, and professional communication. They also explore the lawyer’s role in social movements and deepen their understanding of the constitutional and ethical dimensions of dissent, protest, and public advocacy.
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When is this clinic offered?
Every fall and spring. Students need to contact Professor West to get the advance consent of instructor to enroll.
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How many credits?
2 or 3 credits.
Though students can enroll for either 2 or 3 credits, students should expect to spend: 2-3 hours per week in the seminar; 2-3 hours per week preparing for seminar; 6 (2 credits) – 9 (3 credits) hours per week on clinic project work; and 1-2 hours per week in direct supervision with the professor. -
Are students permitted or encouraged to take this clinic for additional semesters?
Students are not required or expected to take this clinic for additional semesters, but may take the clinic for additional semesters with instructor consent.
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Are there any required or recommended pre-requisites?
Professional Responsibility is required
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Can students with full-time jobs take this clinic?
Students with full-time jobs may take this clinic so long as they have some flexibility in their schedules and are able to dedicate substantial time to their clinic work.
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Can students who live outside the Twin Cities take this clinic?
Yes. Class will be conducted HyFlex, so the clinic is open to BAM and blended students.
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Who should take this clinic?
This clinic is ideal for students interested in civil rights, constitutional law, criminal justice reform, social movements, or public interest practice. It offers hands-on, flexible opportunities for both in-person and remote learners to engage with real-world advocacy and to advance the right to peaceable protest.
Faculty and staff
