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, 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)

 


Recent News

Photo with 4 headshots: (L-R) Health Rights Law Clinic Student Attorneys Akshara Anirjita (Class of ‘25), Clare Choi (Class of ‘24), Kaitlin Lee (Class of ‘24), and Hanadi Chidiac (Class of ‘24).

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 Benitez teaching in a classroom

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.

Colorful Map of USA on Asphalt

Blue states pass ‘good cause’ eviction laws

May 28, 2024

A HEPA Clinic student is interviewed about Clinic work.

Susan R. Jones

In Memoriam: Susan R. Jones

May 3, 2024

The GW Law community deeply mourns the loss of Susan R. Jones.

Paulina Vera, Alexander Love, and Alberto Benítez

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.

Cop car lights

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

 


“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

"Claim abuse, lose custody: A bill aims to curb a trend born of the theory of ‘parental alienation'"

Public Source quoted Joan Meier about parental alienation.

"Former FBI contractor pleads guilty to exploiting minors on gaming app"

The Washington Post quoted Mary Anne Franks on the tracking and tactics predators use for gaming app crimes.

"Father of Parkland shooting victim sues U.S. over gun laws"

UPI quoted Arturo Carrillo about the importance of international human rights and protection from gun violence.