IMPACT LITIGATION CLINIC (CLIN7184, 7185)
2 credits clinical component Fall semesters. 2 credits clinical component Spring semesters. 1 credit classroom component Spring semesters.
Prerequisites: Minimum Cumulative 2.60 GPA, Evidence, Professional Responsibility.

Each Impact Litigation Clinic student briefs and argues an appeal in federal court over the course of a semester. The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit appoints the Impact Litigation Clinic to represent indigent, pro se litigants in federal appellate cases that raise noteworthy legal issues. Cases include a range of subject areas such as employment and housing discrimination, police brutality, and unconstitutional prison conditions. Students work closely with clinical faculty, reviewing the trial court record, preparing the appendix for appeal, consulting with the client, researching and writing the appellate briefs, and preparing for oral argument. At the end of the semester, each student argues her case before the Second Circuit. Both the clinical and classroom component of the course address the legal rules and strategic considerations involved in the appellate process; the course focuses more generally on advanced legal research, analysis and writing, and preparation for effective oral advocacy in the courtroom. The clinic is open to day and evening students who are the equivalent of a third year day student.

The course is letter-graded for both the clinical and class components.

NOTE: This course does not satisfy the Trial Requirement. Students cannot participate in an externship in the same semester in which they are enrolled in a clinic.