Developing Practical Skills
Carolina Law’s 11 in-house clinics offer our students the opportunity to merge a unique combination of theory and practice, earn academic credit, and provide much-needed legal assistance to clients who are marginalized or otherwise lack access to justice. Applying legal issues to real-life cases will deepen your appreciation and understanding of the connection between legal theory and law practice. Under the supervision of a faculty member, you will represent clients in a wide range of cases and projects, including litigation, transactional work, and policy matters.
One of the unique and rewarding aspects of clinic is the large amount of autonomy you are afforded in handling your cases. A faculty supervisor will work closely with you and provide oversight of your cases. Your faculty supervisor maintains ultimate decision-making authority in the case. However, that authority is exercised sparingly. You are instead allowed to assume full responsibility for all aspects of your case including conducting interviews, drafting case related documents, taking discovery, negotiating with opposing counsel, conducting hearings or trials, and arguing motions and appeals. Your faculty supervisor will provide rigorous supervision at each phase of the clinical experience, providing you with the opportunity to serve as the primary lawyer under the watchful guidance of an experienced lawyer and faculty member.
Many students say clinical legal education is the most meaningful experience they have during law school due to the bonds they develop with their clients, and the knowledge they gain about the relationship between law and social justice. Clinic students’ contributions to the client and legal community increase access to justice and are an important part of the public service mission of Carolina Law.