Directors' Welcome To The Legal Clinic

On behalf of the faculty and staff of the Legal Clinic, we are pleased to welcome you to our homepage. Whether you are a current student, prospective student, alumnus, potential client, community partner, or other interested party, we appreciate your interest in our work.

The Legal Clinic at Thurgood Marshall School of Law (TMSL) serves as both an educational resource and a provider of legal services. Our educational mission centers on offering law students practical, hands-on experience in representing real clients with real legal issues. Here, students apply the knowledge they have acquired in the classroom to tackle the complexities of real-world legal matters. The service aspect of the clinic is focused on providing legal representation to individuals who cannot afford to hire an attorney, thereby improving access to justice for underserved communities. Through this program, students not only serve the public but also develop their legal skills and strengthen their commitment to social responsibility.

Since its inception, the Legal Clinic has built a strong tradition of experiential education at TMSL. Our mission is to prepare skilled, ethical, and conscientious lawyers who are dedicated to promoting justice. For many years, our students have provided invaluable legal services to clients who would otherwise be without representation, while simultaneously refining their legal practice. Third-year student attorneys work closely with experienced, licensed faculty members to offer legal counsel in various practice areas. The Legal Clinic is divided into four units: The Criminal Defense-Title IX Clinic, The Family Law Clinic, The Immigration Clinic, and The Wills, Probate & Guardianship Clinic.

Students in the Legal Clinic develop essential skills that are valuable across all areas of law, including communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, legal writing, advocacy, case management, trial preparation, counseling, law office management, and dispute resolution. These skills are indispensable for future careers in litigation, transactional law, public interest work, or academia, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared and competitive in the legal profession.

The Clinical Program believes that the strength of our university, law school, and the communities we serve lies in the varied backgrounds and experiences of our students, faculty, and staff. A broad range of perspectives enhances both education and training, providing a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and communities. We are committed to fostering an environment of mutual respect where all individuals’ experiences are valued. The Legal Clinic reflects this commitment, serving a wide range of clients and offering students a comprehensive education that prepares them for a wide array of legal careers.

We thank everyone who supports our mission to make access to justice a reality for those in need. We invite you to explore the work of the Legal Clinic further through this website.