Information for Students
The Innocence Project Northwest Clinic provides outstanding,
hands-on, legal skill development. I am directly involved in helping
clients and society address the most foundational of American
legal concepts—freedom and justice for all. 
-Jessy Vasquez 2L, Innocence Project Northwest Clinic
What’s Unique about the IPNW Clinic?
IPNW Clinic students will gain skills in both fact investigation and appellate advocacy. Every year in the IPNW is different, because the substantive topics are driven by our cases. However, all students will gain an understanding of why the criminal justice system makes errors and learn about ways the system can be reformed to decrease the number of wrongful convictions.
Substantive Practice Area: Post-Conviction Appellate Advocacy
Where We Practice:
- Washington Superior Courts, Courts of Appeals, Supreme Court
- U.S. District Courts, Western and Eastern Districts of Washington, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Typical cases:
- Motion for post-conviction DNA testing
- Washington State Personal Restraint Proceedings
- Federal Habeas Corpus Proceedings
Skills Focus:
- Fact investigation, including client and witness interviewing.
- Detailed review of police reports and trial transcripts.
- Working with expert witnesses in various areas of forensic science.
- Motions Practice
- Appellate Advocacy