In Spring 2025, we are thrilled to announce the launch of three new clinical programs - all divisions of the Access to Justice Clinic. The Access to Justice Clinical model allows GW Law to leverage the expertise of our faculty and deans across the law school, provides flexibility so we can quickly respond to emerging community needs and student interests, and increases clinic seats in our over-enrolled program. Professors Alonso-Yoder and Tania Valdez bring their deep expertise in immigration practice and clinical teaching in the Citizenship and Naturalization Division. Professor Kathy Hessler, a long-time clinician, and Professor Joan Schaffner will collaborate and bring their decades-long experience in animal law and policy to the new Animal Law Division. Finally, we welcome back alumna Ashley Carter who will launch our first-ever DC-based criminal appeals and post-conviction clinic.
Access to Justice - Animal Law Division
Under the direction of Professor Joan Schaffner and Professor Kathy Hessler, the Access to Justice Clinic – Animal Law Division focuses on addressing barriers to justice in the legal system with respect to animal protection and related harms to humans by providing information and guidance to judges and attorneys, drafting legislation; representing clients in cases of limited scope; and engaging in policy projects to increase access to justice through the DC city council.
Access to Justice - Citizenship and Naturalization Division
Professor Cori Alanso-Yoder and Professor Tania Valdez will lead the Access to Justice Clinic – Citizenship and Naturalization Division, which focuses on addressing barriers to justice in the immigration legal system by representing clients in naturalization applications. Representation includes interviewing, counseling, preparing, and filing applications with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Access to Justice - Criminal Appellate Division
This Clinic, under the direction of Professor Ashley Carter, focuses on advocacy for clients convicted of criminal offenses, allowing third-year students to litigate appellate cases under faculty supervision. Students handle their cases from intake through oral argument, including client meetings, analyzing records, writing briefs, and filing petitions for certiorari in higher courts. The clinic develops a range of skills, emphasizing interviewing, legal issue identification, case management, and persuasive advocacy, while the classroom component covers appellate theory, criminal procedure, ethics, and structural issues in the criminal justice system.