Experience the Law
At the UW School of Law we believe the best way to educate future lawyers and leaders is to provide them with a strong foundation in legal theory, and the opportunity to experience the law first-hand. We also believe that the law is a calling in the spirit of public service, and that professional responsibility is a quality that can be learned
best through experience and dialogue. For these reasons, the School of Law provides a variety of opportunities for students to serve the broader community. In fact, we require
every student to perform a minimum of 60 hours of public service to graduate.
Students have a myriad of opportunities to apply what they have learned through our externships and in our clinical program. The public service requirement is fulfilled
by completing an externship of 2 or more credits, or by participating in the
clinical program.
Clinics
Each year, our clinical law program enables more than 100
students to work with real clients on real cases. In close
collaboration with faculty and practicing attorneys, students
provide free legal representation or mediation services to low-income
or indigent clients. Clinic students gain confidence, valuable
insight, and hands-on experience, all while providing free legal
services to underserved populations.