Health Rights Law Clinic

About the Clinic

In the Health Rights Law Clinic, student attorneys represent low-income clients in Medicaid and other public benefit matters in the District of Columbia. Students work closely with their clients to conduct client interviews, provide client-centered counseling, and advocate for their clients (orally and in writing) before administrative agencies including hearings conducted before the DC Office of Administrative Hearings. Students will also be assigned special projects to collaborate with psychiatrists and case workers with a DC-based provider of mental healthcare for Medicaid-eligible patients. This inter-professional collaboration deepens student learning and collaboration skills.  The weekly seminar allows students to practice core lawyering skills, learn the substantive law and procedural rules underlying public benefits administration, and explore health justice issues.

Information for Students

Student attorneys represent clients in Medicaid and other public benefits matters under the supervision of Professor Hagner. Once enrolled in the Clinic, students must complete a student practice certification process.

Student Application Information

Interested students must fill out the Uniform Clinic Application from the Law School Clinics portal page, where a complete set of application instructions is posted at least a few weeks prior to the registration period for the next semester. Every semester the Clinics hold an Open House where each Clinic’s faculty and/or students will be available to answer questions. Students may contact Professor Hagner any time to discuss the Clinic or to ask specific questions. Permission of the instructor is required prior to registration.