Apply Now
Request Info

Join the Washburn Law Clinic and make an impact

At the Washburn Law Clinic, students immerse themselves in real-world legal practice by working directly with clients under the supervision of experienced faculty. Whether you are drawn to civil litigation, criminal defense, family and immigration law, or transactional law for small businesses and nonprofits, our clinics provide hands-on experience that builds confidence and sharpens your legal skills.

What you can expect as a part of the Washburn Law Clinic

As a student intern in the Washburn Law Clinic, you'll handle actual cases from start to finish, including client interviews, negotiations, court appearances, and legal document preparation, providing an invaluable opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. Throughout your clinic journey, you'll be guided by accomplished faculty members who bring years of professional expertise and a passion for teaching. They are committed to mentoring you every step of the way, offering personalized feedback, sharing insider tips on legal practice, and helping you build a professional network that will benefit you long after graduation.
An advisor works with clinic interns on case preparation.

Washburn Law Clinic service areas

Civil practice

In the Civil Practice Clinic, you will represent clients in state court, municipal court, and before administrative agencies in a broad range of practice areas that you might encounter in a general practice setting. You will also do simple estate planning and work on community education projects.
Civil practice

Criminal justice

In the Criminal Justice Clinic, you will defend indigent clients charged with felony or misdemeanor offenses from first appearance through trial. In addition to criminal defense, the Criminal Justice Clinic occasionally litigates collateral or systemic issues affecting clients.

Criminal justice

Family justice & immigration

In the Family Justice and Immigration Clinic, you will focus on serving parents, children, and survivors of gender-based violence. You will represent clients in the areas of family law and immigration law, while also engaging in policy and advocacy work to address issues impacting these populations.
Family justice & immigration

Small business & nonprofit transactional law

In the Small Business and Nonprofit Transactional Law Clinic, you will work directly with low-income start-ups, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations seeking to empower their communities and create economic stability. You will counsel clients on choice of entity, draft organizational and operational documents, negotiate agreements, represent clients in intellectual property matters, advise on nonprofit governance, and file tax-exempt applications.
Small business & nonprofit transactional law

How to get involved

Applications to participate in the Washburn Law Clinic will be distributed to students about a month before class registration begins. Students must be eligible for a legal intern permit from the Kansas Supreme Court to participate in the Washburn Law Clinic.
What our graduates say about their clinic experience

"In my legal career (and in life) I've come across many individuals who've tried to entice me to cut corners or compromise my integrity. Fortunately, the Washburn Law Clinic made zealous advocacy and professionalism unshakable habits."

Lanna Allen, jd '20
Municipal Defense Attorney
Legal Aid of Western Missouri

"The clinic experience was invaluable in preparing me for my role as a human resources director and in-house counsel for Joplin Schools. The clinic cases provided real-world context that textbooks alone couldn't offer. The hands-on experience of representing real clients in the clinic was beneficial in that it taught me how to manage client expectations, communicate complex legal concepts clearly, and develop practical solutions - all skills I use in my current role."

Justin Crawford, jd '17
Director of Educational Support and Human Resources, In-House Counsel
Joplin Schools

"What I enjoyed most about my clinic time was the hands-on experience and the ability to carve my own path. While you have your professors there to support you, you really get to explore and learn your own style. But more than that, clinic helped me build confidence in myself and my skills as I entered the legal profession."

Keegan McElroy, jd '19
Partner
Alderson, Alderson, Conklin, Crow & Slinkard, L.L.C.

Washburn Law Clinic faculty

Civil practice: Michelle Ewert, Clinic Director
Criminal justice: Matt Bender
Family justice & immigration: Kirby Tyrrell
Small business & nonprofit transactional law: Clarissa Harvey

Need legal or tax help?