INDIVID REPRESNTN CLINIC

Catalog description

Satisfies Experiential Learning requirement. In this litigation clinic, students assume full responsibility for representing low- and moderate-income clients under the close supervision of full-time UC Law San Francisco faculty. Students work in pairs to handle cases start-to-finish, i.e., from initial client interview through administrative or court hearings, trial, or negotiated settlement. In fall semesters, students represent clients in Social Security disability hearings before federal administrative law judges and/or in petitions to dismiss or reduce past criminal convictions in Superior Court. In spring semesters, students handle wage claims in administrative proceedings before the Labor Commissioner or de novo trials in Superior Court. Other subject areas may be added. Skills covered include interviewing, counseling, case planning, fact investigation, navigating cultural and other differences, negotiation, witness examination, and written and oral advocacy. There are four hours of regularly scheduled class time per week. Students are expected to average a minimum of 20 hours a week on client casework. In addition to case-related work, students have weekly reading assignments and are required to write short, analytic papers on themes raised by the readings and their case experiences. A major course objective is to help develop students' professional identity through self-reflection. The Clinic is located on the fourth floor of the 333 Golden Gate building. Students maintain office hours at the Clinic in addition to regular class times. Each semester there is a mandatory introductory training session, shortly before regular classes begin. Admission to the Clinic requires the prior approval of the instructors. Apply through the online Common Clinic Application.