LAW-0234 Supreme Court Clinic Casework

This is a two-semester clinic offered for 3 graded credits each semester (1.5 for the casework portion and 1.5 for the seminar portion) of the program, for a total of 6 credits. Student-Attorneys will represent low-income individuals and non-profits in matters before appellate courts including the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, the First Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court (depending on case and client needs). The clinic will initially focus on Amicus Curiae filings and opposition to certiorari petitions. Students will work in "law firm" teams of four which will each be initially assigned 2 cases. Students will work with substantive law experts on the case issues, draft pleadings, edit each other’s work, maintain client relationships including client brief approval processes, and work with courts to insure appropriate representation of their client’s position(s).Students enrolled in the Clinic are required to attend a weekly two-hour seminar taught by Professor Pokorak covering relevant substantive areas of the work, advocacy skills, professional practice and ethical issues that arise in the appellate context. Students must have successfully completed or be enrolled in an Appellate Practice course. Participating Student-Attorneys must be able to work well in collaborative team contexts, attend weekly supervision meetings, and write bi-weekly journal entries which will be used to critically reflect on their clinic experiences. Students are required to spend at least 6.5 hours per week (averaged) engaged in the legal work of the Clinic beyond the time required for the seminar and supervision meetings.  If you have any questions please contact Professor Jeffrey Pokorak at [e-mail].

Credits

1.5

Prerequisite

Student has completed or is in process of completing all of the following course(s) LAW 2518 - Appellate Practice

Offered

Fall Law, Spring Law