CLINICAL PROGRAMS

Federal, Criminal, and Appellate Clinic

Faculty Supervisors: Jennifer Lyman and Anne K. Olesen

Students in the Federal, Criminal, and Appellate Clinic work under faculty supervision to represent indigent clients in proceedings following criminal convictions. Second- and third-year students eligible for court certification take responsibility for real clients, in serious cases. Clinic students also collaborate in investigating ineffective assistance of counsel claims, mooting arguments, or conducting studies that benefit the local bar or client groups.

Participants develop written and oral advocacy skills, as well as counseling and investigation experience and tactical judgment. Students interested in trial work have an opportunity to study, in depth, the trial of a serious case and post-conviction issues at the trial level. They establish relationships with clients, and view and participate in court proceedings. Depending on the type of case selected, students’ courtroom experiences may include presenting and challenging witness testimony, allocuting for sentence, or making court arguments at the trial or appellate level.

Federal, Criminal, and Appellate Clinic News

May 23, 2006 DC Prisoners' Legal Services Project celebrated their 20th anniversary May 23 with a reception. United States District Judge Judge James Robertson (J.D. '65), a long-time civil rights proponent and supporter of the organization and prisoners' rights, provided the keynote lecture. In attendance was Professors Jennifer Lyman and Anne Olesen and several of their incoming '06-'07 clinic students. Professor Olesen was interviewed for a documentary, shown at the event, which details the successes and hardships of the Project and its movement over the past 20 years.

D.C. Prisoners' Legal Services Project Executive Director Philip Fornaci, Board President Theodore A. Howard, and Board Secretary Caryl Pines Curry join supports United States District Judge James Robertson (J.D. '65) and GW Law Professor Anne Olesen at the event. (photo by Claire Duggan)