The Jacob Burns Community Legal Clinics

The Jacob Burns Community Legal Clinics were founded in 1971, and were dedicated in 1991 to acknowledge the generous support of Jacob Burns (LLB '24, Hon. LLC '70). A longtime trustee of the University, Burns (1902-1993) was renowned as a lawyer, artist, and philanthropist. GW Law is proud to honor this significant contribution to the "uplifting and maintenance of the legal profession," and his fearless advocacy of the principle of "equal justice under the law." The Jacob Burns Community Legal Clinics vary considerably in purpose, duration, requirements, and duties.

Dean Matthew with members of the The Jacob Burns Community Legal Clinics

Despite their diversity, each Clinic provides an exciting and supportive educational environment in which law students offer vital legal services to people of color and those historically excluded from economic opportunity in Washington, D.C. and beyond. In the Clinic, students are certified to practice as lawyers in DC, Maryland, and Federal Court and work directly with clients in matters involving criminal defense, transactional law, housing and a dozen practice areas in between. Students get close supervision by law school faculty and gain real world lawyering experience as well as professional development that increases job marketability.

The Jacob Burns Community Legal Clinics operate under the direction of Associate Dean Laurie S. Kohn. The Managing Attorney & Associate Program Director for the Clinics is Andrea R. Willis-Johnson, and the Administrative Supervisor is Milagros Tudela.

Contact Us

GW Law Clinical Program 
2000 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20052

Monday - Friday; 9 am-5 pm

[email protected]
Phone: 202.994.7463
Fax: 202.994.6441

 

Laurie S. Kohn
Jacob Burns Foundation Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs; Associate Professor of Clinical Law; Director of Family Justice Litigation Clinic, & Director of Access to Justice Clinic
202.994.7463

Andrea R. Willis-Johnson
Managing Attorney & Associate Program Director
202.994.3086

Milagros Tudela
Administrative Supervisor
202.994.7463

Clinics Faculty, Staff & Fellows

 


Recent News

Bridging the Gap: GW's Access to Justice Clinic's Impact on Legal Education

October 5, 2023

The Access to Justice Clinic was launched in 2021 in hopes of creating a clinical model that can pivot quickly to address community legal needs.

Health Rights Law Clinic helps 10-year-old Xavier Smile Brighter with Legal Victory for Braces

June 2, 2023

The Health Rights Law Clinic recently achieved a victory for their client, 10-year-old Xavier, whose orthodontist ordered treatment to correct a jaw deformity.

Student-Attorneys Use Freedom of Information Acts to Advocate for Transparency and Accountability in Government and Education

June 2, 2023

This Spring, student attorneys in the Public Justice Advocacy Clinic (PJAC) litigated Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) cases to meet their client's goals. 

Small Business and Community Economic Development Clinic Empowering Nonprofits to Make a Positive Impact

May 15, 2023

The Small Business & Community Economic Development Clinic had multiple client victories this year.

GW Law's Clinical Program Launches Advisory Council to Shape Support Growth and Innovation

May 15, 2023

In April 2023, the Clinical Law Advisory Council held its inaugural meeting.

Criminal Appeals and Post Convictions Clinic Scores Multiple Wins in Appeals

May 15, 2023

The CAPS Clinic typically beats the (under 10%) average for winning reversals in appeals from felony convictions, and recently achieved a string of successes.

Community Impact & News Stories

Clinical Programs


“The clients that I represented in the Immigration Clinic have stayed with me throughout my professional career and will stay in my heart forever. My time at Clinic gave me the fortitude I needed to be a strong advocate for those who have faced trauma, are vulnerable, and needed compassion and care above all else. The people I was able to help in clinic taught me the importance of diverse voices within the legal community, and how our own vulnerabilities can create safe spaces for those who have faced trauma.”

Gisela Kusakawa,
JD '18

View All Alumni Profiles


Additional Information

Community Impact

The GW Law Clinics represents individuals and organizations worldwide that otherwise would not be able to afford legal services. We routinely share client experiences and victories.

Friedman Fellowship

The Jacob Burns Community Legal Clinics of GW Law offer two-year clinical fellowships to law school graduates who have clerked or practiced since law school.

Clinic Law Advisory Council

The Clinical Law Advisory Council (CLAC) supports the Clinical Program in its efforts to innovate and grow over the next 50 years and beyond. 

 

Give to GW Law Clinics

 

 

Faculty in the News

"His conviction was overturned after 35 years wrongfully served. State law caps his compensation at 14 years"

Capitol News Illinois quoted Jeffrey Gutman about the unfairness in Illinois jail system.

"Conservatives call for Biden to shut down border on his own. Experts say it's not that simple"

Spectrum News quoted Alberto Benitez describing the legal steps in order to control a border and the dangers and criticisms that go along with that control.

"N.Y. Republicans in competitive seats object to Senate's bipartisan border deal"

Spectrum News quoted Alberto Benitez clarifying the president does not have the unilateral power to shut down the border.