Family Defense Clinic

Course Description

The Family Defense Clinic provides students the opportunity to handle all aspects of the direct representation of parents in Family Court, including arguing motions and conducting contested hearings. Students pursuing their master's degrees in social work will be part of the legal teams and will assist in identifying and analyzing issues, formulating plans to achieve clients' goals, assessing clients' strengths and needs, and accessing services. The clinic also undertakes projects designed to address systemic problems in the foster care and Family Court systems. The clinic involves a mixture of fieldwork, seminar, and participation in simulated litigation exercises.

Learning Outcomes

Students in the Family Defense Clinic will develop a wide-range of litigation skills, such as building client relationships, client counseling, legal research and writing, developing and implementing case theory, direct and cross examination, oral argument, and strategic decision-making. They will also gain knowledge of the American child welfare system and of family regulation law and policy, enhance communication and self-reflection skills, and develop cross cultural competence.

* 14 credits include 3 clinical credits and 4 academic seminar credits per semester.

** Evidence is preferred but is not a prerequisite.