Faculty Supervisors: 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.