The Robins Kaplan Civil Practice Clinic offers second and third year students an opportunity to gain both practical lawyering experience and the satisfaction of representing real clients.
The Clinic introduces students to the practice of law through a combination of instructional methods. Classroom sessions explore topics such as interviewing, jurisdiction analysis, case
planning, placing an agreement on the record, and motion practice. Simulated exercises – both performance and writing -- allow students to test their skills at information gathering, creating court documents, and advocacy. Each student handles approximately three cases involving topics such as family, employment, consumer, and administrative law. These cases provide student attorneys with the opportunity to participate in almost all aspects of the lawyering process, including court and administrative hearing appearances.
The Clinic course is a two semester program, although the classroom portion is completed during the first semester. During the second semester, students must attend standing meetings and moot court appearances with their case teams. During second semester, all scheduling is on an individualized basis consistent with the students’ other courses, work and school commitments. Students earn a total of seven credits allocated between the two semesters.
A significant advantage to Clinic enrollment during the second year of law school is eligibility for selection as a third year student director. Student directors act as "junior partners"Â in the Clinic law firm -- one of the most valuable learning experiences offered by the law school.
Additional Commitments:
- Weekly status meetings with the supervising attorney and the student director assigned to any particular file are required throughout the entire academic year.
- Attend Anoka County Family Law Clinic on two Friday afternoons throughout the academic year.
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What to expect when working on cases and with clients: Students will meet with clients in person, on the phone, and correspond with them. Students appear in Court as a first chair. To ensure a fulfilling experience in the CPC, students must be willing to make a substantial time commitment that goes beyond the classroom work. This may require students to arrange their class schedules in a way that allows students to appear in court, conduct investigations, and meet with clients. We also strongly recommend that students enroll in Evidence.
NOTE: This course requires certification pursuant to the student practice rule and is open to JD students only.
