Federal Appellate Clinic

Introduction

The Federal Appellate Clinic accepts appointments from federal courts of appeal and referrals from civil rights organizations to represent indigent clients in criminal, habeas, and civil rights appeals. Students are expected to provide clients with the highest quality representation, engaging in client-centered appellate advocacy. Students are assigned a case at the beginning of the year, and then review the record, research the issues, and write the opening and reply briefs. If timing permits, students may also argue the case in the spring semester.

Qualifications for Applicants

Only rising 3Ls may apply for the Clinic. While there are no strict pre/co-requisites for the Clinic, preference may be given to students who have taken criminal procedure, evidence, federal courts, or any course focusing on civil rights, appellate advocacy or the appellate process.

Application Procedure

Please submit the standard clinic application, resume, and unofficial transcript, using CAMS, the online application system. There may be an in-person or remote interview depending on number of applicants.

* 14 credits include 5 clinical credits and 2 academic seminar credits each semester.