Clinic Application Forms
SUPREME COURT LITIGATION CLINIC
INNOCENCE PROJECT CLINIC
Clinic application forms and information for some 2013-14 clinics are forthcoming.
SUPREME COURT LITIGATION CLINIC
Mr. Ortiz, Mr. Elwood, Mr. Ryan, Credits: 8
Supreme Court Litigation Clinic Application 2013-14.pdf Supreme Court Litigation Clinic Application 2013-14.pdf
This yearlong clinic will introduce third-year students to all aspects of current U.S. Supreme Court practice through live cases. Students earn eight credits (one credit graded on a CR/NC basis awarded in the fall for monitoring work done during the summer and fall; three credits graded on a CR/NC basis awarded in the fall for work done in the fall; and four credits graded on a graded basis for work done in the spring). Working in teams, students will handle actual cases from the seeking of Supreme Court review to briefing on the merits. Classes will meet every week to discuss drafts of briefs and other papers students have prepared for submission to the Court. Students will be expected to identify candidates for Supreme Court review; draft petitions for certiorari, amicus merits briefs, and party merits briefs; and attend mootings and Supreme Court arguments. Students interested in the clinic should consider attending the public information session on Monday, April 15, in WB 119 at 4:00 p.m. Those who wish to enroll must complete an application form, attach the requested documents, and submit them via e-mail to Crystal Smith ( cgs8d@virginia.edu) no later than April 19, 2013 at 3 p.m. Applications received after this date will be placed on a waiting list; these students will only be eligible for consideration if openings arise. Once enrolled, NO drops will be permitted. Admitted students will be required to complete a little work over the summer before the clinic begins.
Enrollment Limitation: Students may enroll in one clinic per semester (on a space-available basis, students may petition to enroll in a second clinical offering)
Prerequisite: Third-year status, Constitutional Law
Course Requirement: Draft petitions and merits briefs, monitor lower court cases, and attend mootings and Supreme Court arguments
INNOCENCE PROJECT CLINIC
Yearlong Clinic, Professor Engle, Professor Enright, Credits: 8
Students in this yearlong clinic will investigate and litigate wrongful convictions of inmates throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Some of the cases will have forensic evidence (usually DNA) that could be tested, and some will be non-DNA cases. Preliminary cases will be assigned to individual clinic students for factual development and evaluation to determine whether or not the clinic should accept the case. The decision to accept or decline representation will be made by the full clinic with the final decision being made by Professors Enright and Engle. On cases that the clinic accepts for representation, students will work in teams of 3-4 to investigate and litigate those cases. In every case, students will be directed and assisted by the clinic Professors, but as students demonstrate competence and confidence, they may earn the opportunity for greater independence. Although the clinic will have a mandatory classroom component (meeting every Tuesday from 3-5 PM), most time will be devoted to casework – interviewing potential clients and witnesses, general investigation, reviewing case files, collecting records, searching court files, and drafting pleadings. Students will likely be visiting inmates at correctional centers, and conducting investigation in a wide variety of socioeconomic settings accompanied by a clinic Professor, private investigator, or, in some instances, another student.
Students should attempt to arrange their schedules to have at least one full weekday free for investigations. Some weekend and evening investigations will also be required. In addition, student teams will meet regularly with Professors Engle and Enright for supervision and direction. Students will earn eight credits for the year, four of which are graded and four of which are ungraded. Students should anticipate that the clinic will require a minimum of 15 hours per week, but the hours required for clinic work will vary according to the demands of the cases. The professors will not always be able to predict or control when the cases will demand intensive hours, so flexibility is important. ONCE ENROLLED IN THE CLINIC, YOU MAY NOT DROP.
Interested students must apply and be accepted to enroll in the clinic. To do so, please submit a resume, an unofficial transcript, and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the Innocence Project Clinic to Professor Deirdre Enright ( deirdre@virginia.edu) and Professor Matthew Engle ( matthewengle@virginia.edu) no later than Friday, April 26, 2013, at midnight. Selected students will be notified via e-mail by May 3, 2013. Although grades and experience are relevant considerations, your motivation and commitment to this work will be our primary considerations in making selections. Remember that your letter of interest is our only source for evaluating those qualities.
If you have questions about the clinic before applying, please feel free to visit The Innocence Project Clinic, SL246, to speak with a current clinic student or Professors Engle and Enright. You may also email the professors or visit our offices at SL247 (Enright) and SL247a (Engle).
Enrollment Limitation: Students may enroll in one clinic per semester. On a space-available basis, students may petition to enroll in a second clinical offering after the add/drop period has ended.
Prerequisite: Second- or third-year status. Criminal Procedure and Evidence recommended, but not required.
Course Requirement: Interviewing potential clients and witnesses, general investigation, reviewing case files, collecting records, searching court files, developing and implementing litigation strategies, and more. Having access to a car for travel purposes is extremely helpful. Please indicate in your letter of interest whether or not you have access to a car for use in investigations. (You are reimbursed for your mileage.)
