"Who could get custody of missing Manassas Park mother's baby? Legal expert weighs in"
WJLA-ABC7 quoted Joan Meier on the straightforward argument for custody battles, but included the likelihood of drawn out and “wrenches thrown in the plan.”
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.
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, DC 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.
Download Informational Brochure (PDF)
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
Recent News
Health Rights Law Clinic Restores Essential Home Health Aid for DC Resident with Disabilities
June 27, 2024
The Health Rights Law Clinic recently won an important victory for client Noah Harrison, a low-income gentleman with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Professor Alberto Benítez Awarded the 2024 Elmer Fried Excellence in Teaching Award
June 24, 2024
The letters nominating Professor Benítez ranged from current to past students, colleagues working with him daily, and those he taught once or twice years ago.
Blue states pass ‘good cause’ eviction laws
May 28, 2024
A HEPA Clinic student is interviewed about Clinic work.
In Memoriam: Susan R. Jones
May 3, 2024
The GW Law community deeply mourns the loss of Susan R. Jones.
GW Law’s Immigration Clinic Helps Clients from around the Globe
April 17, 2024
Dedicated George Washington University students and faculty work to assist immigrants in dire situations.
Delaware opened up access to some police misconduct records — but still denies requests for basic police data
March 26, 2024
Two Public Justice Advocacy Clinic students are quoted in the Delaware Call.
Community Impact & News Stories
Clinical Programs
Administrative Law Issues & Appeals Clinic
Access to Justice Clinic - Family Law
Access to Justice Clinic - Nonprofit & Entrepreneurship Division (Not offered for Fall 2024)
Access to Justice Clinic - Prisoner Civil Rights Division
Access to Justice Clinic - Workers’ Rights Division
Civil and Human Rights Law Clinic
Criminal Defense and Justice Clinic
Criminal Appeals and Post-Conviction Services (Not offered for Fall 2024)
Family Justice Litigation Clinic (Not offered for Fall 2024)
“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
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.
Follow @GWLawClinics
Faculty in the News
Evictions for making too many 911 calls happen. The Justice Department wants it to stop
Emily Benfer told USA Today that crime-free rental ordinances harm communities of color, domestic violence survivors, and low-income populations.
"Court documents show mom of 3-year-old Bay Area girl killed by father requested protection"
KGO-ABC7, San Francisco, quoted Joan Meier on her research on undocumented murders of children by parents after court’s refuse to protect the child.
