Clinic Student Coordinator Encourages Students to Enroll in Clinic
by Judy Ullmann
Working in the Law Clinic my last two semesters of law school has proven to be a rewarding experience. I would be remiss by not sharing the highlights of my clinical training with those who are considering clinical work.
The original purpose I chose to become involved in the Clinic focused on getting over courtroom paranoia. Luckily, courtroom jitters vanished with the first court appearance. Fully aware of students' fears, supervising attorneys make sure students are well-prepared and know what to expect. Further, judges, opposing counsel, and court services personnel treat interns as equals with accompanying respect as the attorney for Clinic clients.
Although only part of an intern's time is spent in the courtroom, working knowledge of the courthouse is an integral part of clinical training. We are all taught rules of civil procedure. Unfortunately, we are not instructed where or how to file certain documents. The Law Clinic gives students hands-on knowledge of this sort which is immediately transferrable to practice upon graduation.
In general, the Clinic affords students the opportunity to put into practice theories stressed in the classroom. Since interns are assigned cases in various stages of problem resolution, many different course components can be utilized in a hands-on manner. The Clinic setting provides students with the mechanism to realize how law school curriculum interplays in a real case, with a real client, with real legal problems. This experience can only be gleaned from hands-on practice. It is my belief that the Clinic has provided the best law training that can be experienced during law school. I encourage all students to undertake clinical practice at some point during their law school career.
