Washburn Law Clinic FAQs
How do I enroll in Law Clinic?
Simply enroll in Clinic the same way you enroll in your other classes. Clinic usually fills up quickly so enroll at your earliest opportunity.
What are the prerequisites for Law Clinic?
The completion of 50 hours, Professional Responsibility, Evidence and a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Is there an application process for the Small Business & Transactional Clinic?
Yes. Enrollment is limited. (Small Business & Transactional Clinic is not offered in the summer). This semester, an application for fall must be completed and returned to Debi Schrock no later than 3 p.m. on March 31. Interviews will be scheduled between April 1 and April 7. An announcement of those accepted will be made on or before April 8.
What are the prerequisites for the Small Business & Transactional Clinic?
The completion of 50 hours, Professional Responsibility, Business Associations and a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
What if I won't have 50 hours completed until the end of this semester?
That's okay. The 50 hours need to be completed before your Clinic experience begins. We'll wait for your grades to be submitted.
If I take Law Clinic now, can I apply for the Small Business & Transactional Clinic next semester?
Yes, the courses are separate and offer different learning experiences.
I'm not going to practice in the areas offered by the Law Clinic. What's in it for me?
There is plenty here for you to learn. This is your opportunity to get into a real courtroom before a real judge. Courtroom experience is valuable no matter what the content.
Should I put Clinic on my resume?
Yes, please do. Many students have received jobs based on the fact that they had Clinic experience. It's also a great thing to talk about during job interviews.
How many credit hours can I take?
In Law Clinic you may enroll in either 4 or 5 credit hours, it's your choice. In the Small Business & Transactional Clinic you will be allowed to enroll in either 4 or 5 credit hours but it depends on the number of students enrolled.
How much time is involved? I've heard Clinic is a lot of work.
Clinic can be difficult if you don't manage your time well. Forty hours worth of "billable" work is required for each credit hour you are taking. On average, during the summer semester you will need to spend 13.5 hours per week if you are enrolled in 4 credit hours, and 17 hours per week for 5 credit hours. During the fall and spring semesters you will need to spend 12 hours per week for 4 credit hours and 15 hours per week for 5 credit hours. Everything you do that is connected with Clinic, attending class, meeting with clients, etc., is counted toward your hours.
How do I get one of those cool t-shirts?
Interns receive a t-shirt once their required court watching hours are completed.
Can I work in the Clinic library after hours?
Yes. Interns are allowed to borrow keys that give them access to the Clinic library after hours. (You can even eat and drink in our library!)
What about the support staff? Are they helpful?
Yes. You will not find a more qualified and dedicated staff in any other law firm in town. Collectively, the 4 staff members have almost 90 years of experience.
