Clinical Law Program

The clinical law program is central to the law school’s public service and access to justice efforts. Each year, a variety of clinics offer diverse practice opportunities to law students. Nearly 60% of each JD class enrolls in a 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.

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 in the News

• New DNA Methods Could Throw More Convictions Into Doubt - Seattle Weekly
  UW's McMurtrie and her team of post-conviction sleuths are assisting several clients in their requests for post-conviction DNA testing. "All we're asking," says McMurtrie, "is that the test be allowed so we can determine . . .innocence or . . . guilt." (1/8/2008)
• Giving every child a voice - Seattle Times
  Professor Lisa Kelly argues that we are failing our children when we don't give them a voice in the proceedings that place them at the center of the controversy. (5/08/2007)
• High Court, U.N. Weigh In on Climate Change - Talk of the Nation, NPR
  The Supreme Court rules that the EPA can regulate auto emissions of greenhouse gases. And a new report from the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change predicts increased hunger, water shortages and massive floods as the world's temperature rises. Michael Robinson-Dorn is a guest. (4/6/2007)
• Deborah Maranvile named new clinic director - UW Law Spring '08

I use the lessons you taught me every day. 
- Chuck Williams, Civil Clinic Alum, ‘94

Your gift to the Clinical Law Program or a specific Clinic will help maintain this core educational and public-spirited program at the UW School of Law. Give online today >>