The Vaccine Injury Litigation Clinic (VILC), directed by Professor Renée Gentry, has represented 20 clients with claims within the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) in the last year.
One of the most notable achievements in recent months involved a significant trial victory. Last year, the Clinic prevailed in a case involving the death of a young child, which the Department of Justice (DOJ) appealed to the Federal Circuit. A team of student-attorneys responded to the appeal and defended their client’s right to compensation.
Student-attorneys successfully represented another client in a two-day trial against DOJ attorneys. The students engaged in extensive witness preparation, conducting mock direct and cross-examinations, and performed opening and closing arguments, along with direct and cross-examinations of witnesses during the trial. They also took charge of drafting and submitting both pre- and post-hearing briefs.
The Clinic’s work led to nearly $500,000 in compensation for its clients during the 2023-2024 academic year. Students also earned over $500,000 in attorney’s fees, which were allocated to the GW Law Clinical Program, enhancing the Clinic’s resources and its capacity to assist future clients.
The Clinic has also taken on a prominent advocacy role in legislative matters. Students actively lobbied for the inclusion of COVID-19 vaccine injury claims within the VICP and pushed for modernizing the program to meet evolving medical and legal standards. They attended House Subcommittee testimonies and briefings that explored the differences between the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP) and the VICP, further demonstrating their commitment to systemic legal improvements.
The Clinic hosted the 2024 Annual Conference of the Vaccine Injured Petitioners’ Bar Association, a national event connecting lawyers from across the country. Students also attended the 2024 Judicial Conference of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, where they networked with lawyers from diverse practice areas and met with the judges of the Court.
Through courtroom victories, policy work, and participation in national conferences, the Clinic sustains its traditional of excellence and impact.