The Clinical Law Program
Award Winning | Interdisciplinary | Inspiring
What's a law school clinic?
In a law school clinic, students receive law-school credit while they represent
real clients or mediate real cases. They learn relevant lawyering skills through
close supervision by an experienced lawyer/faculty member. Clinics offer students an
opportunity to serve the community and reflect on their experience as they become a
lawyer.
Clinics at the UW School of Law
The clinical law program is central to the School of Law's public service and access
to justice efforts. Each year, a variety of clinics offer diverse practice
opportunities to law students. Currently nearly 70% of our JD class graduate having taken at least one clinic. As
the world and the legal profession change, law schools must prepare the next
generation to be our advocates and leaders. The UW School of Law is committed to
providing an innovative, student-focused learning environment that prepares our
students to become highly skilled lawyers in a globally competitive world. Our UW
students gain a strong foundation in legal theory, the skills necessary for success
in the changing legal profession, and an awareness of their ethical and public
service responsibilities.
Collaborative Externships
What's a Collaborative Externship?
In addition to our clinics, the UW law school offers a wide range of externships, or "field placements."
In externships students receive law school credit for performing legal work in a
non-profit or government agency. Students are directly supervised by an experienced
lawyer in the work setting. In addition, a faculty supervisor guides the students in
reflecting on the externship experience.
In addition, we offer specially designed collaborative externships. The law
school and one or more community partners together design a special 15-credit
immersion externship experience. The collaborative externship is offered each year
during the same quarter. A cohort of students participates in special educational
activities.
Collaborative Externships at the US School of Law
The law school currently offers two collaborative externships, the
Olympia Quarter Fellows and the
Laurel Rubin Externship Advocacy Project.
Clinical Law Program News
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Ceci Lopez recipient of Public Service Tax Fellowship
Ana “Ceci” Lopez is one of two recipients of the Public Service Tax Fellowship sponsored by the American Bar Association Tax Section. This two year fellowship will allow Ceci Lopez to provide education, information and referral services to primarily Spanish speaking individuals regarding tax and business issues.
(4/18/12)
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Putting A Price On Wrongful Conviction - KUOW
In Washington state, prisoners who have been wrongly convicted get little more than their freedom once they've been exonerated. What does society owe the wrongly convicted? IPNW staff attorney Lara Zarowsky and client Alan Northrop appear are interviewed.
(4/4/12)
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Time doesn't pay, wrongfully imprisoned find - CNN
Innocence Project Northwest client Alan Northrop left prison after 17 years for a crime he didn't commit. Washington state provides no compensation for those who have been wrongfully convicted. Staff attorney Lara Zarowsky is quoted.
(3/26/12)
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40 Under 40: Juli Pierce, senior deputy Yellowstone County attorney
UW Law Alumna Juli Pierce '04 was named one of the 40 Under 40 by the Billings Gazette
(2/2/12)
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Bill could set scale for wrongful conviction compensation - Publicola
A new wrongful conviction bill would create a pay scale of sorts in Washington for people whose convictions are later overturned by new evidence.
(1/23/12)
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Washington State considers community broadband bill - Reclaim the Media
Last year, House Bill 2601 examined telecommunications reform, including the possibilty of municipality and public utility district provisioning. The UW School of Law examined the issues and released a report that recognizes the important role public sector investments can play.
(1/17/12)
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17 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit - should state pay? - KPLU
Alan Northup was exonerated through DNA testing with help from the Innocence Project Northwest (IPNW) . Advocates for granting them compensation say it's the right thing to do, even in tough budgetary times. IPNW Director Jackie McMurtrie is mentioned.
(1/13/12)
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NALC wins dismissal on tribal case
In December, NALC won a dismissal on a complex tribal case, working with National Advocates for Pregnant Women. We are excited to continue developing interdisciplinary partnerships with advocacy organizations.
(1/5/12)
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Law School clinics serve students and the public - UW Regional & Community Relations
Since 1979, the UW School of Law has offered students the opportunity to represent real clients or mediate real cases by working with faculty members through the Clinical Law Program.
(12/1/11)
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Pursuing Equal Justice for All Native Americans
Professor Ron Whitener writes on the Champions of Change blog, a weekly initiative to highlight Americans who are making an impact in their communities Pursuing Equal Justice for All Native Americans
(10/29/11)