Taylor Guthrie, ’26, became interested in wrongful convictions work in high school after she read the memoir, The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row, by Anthony Ray Hinton, a man who spent 30 years on death row for a crime he did not commit. When Guthrie became a student at the Law School, she was immediately drawn to The Exoneration Project, a clinic that provides students the opportunity to work on post-conviction litigation representing individuals who are asserting their innocence as well as advancing related claims associated with their wrongful convictions. This work aligned perfectly with Guthrie’s interest in exploring this line of legal practice.

The Exoneration Project is one of the Law School’s 15 clinics. It’s part of a larger cooperative that tackles wrongful conviction cases around the country.

Please describe the case you are working on in your clinic.

I’ve been working on the same case for the last two years involving a 15-year-old who police officers beat into confessing to a murder. These officers worked under Jon Burge, a Chicago Police detective who was notorious for training his officers in war torture tactics. They also withheld important Brady material [i.e., evidence a prosecution is required to disclose under the Brady rule] about the existence of an ongoing federal investigation into the victim, which would have provided our client with a strong alternative suspect to point to at trial.

What is your specific role in the case? 

This case is currently in the middle of an evidentiary hearing. Last year, before I received my 711 license, I worked with Alex Ginsberg, ’25, and Henry Wineburgh, ’25, to help prepare exhibits and presentations for the trial. They did oral advocacy at a portion of the trial in April. This year, my partner, Clarissa Boyd, ’26,  and I will be handling the oral arguments at various points in the trial, including opening and closing statements and direct examinations.

What skills did you develop or strengthen through this experience? 

I was able to directly strengthen many trial-related skills, even though I had an indirect role in the trial last year. This year, I helped draft a response motion. I found the process of drafting and working through edits with our team particularly helpful in strengthening my own legal writing skills.

What are your biggest takeaways from working on this case?  

Watching and being involved in the hearing taught me that flexibility and preparation are crucial to being ready for a trial. The unpredictability of a trial can be uncomfortable, but controlling your own preparation can help ease some of that discomfort. It also reminded me that your team matters. I’ve been fortunate to have such incredible partners both years, who I know care deeply about the quality of work done to represent our client.

Is there anything that has surprised you about this experience? 

Though Illinois is one of the better states for post-conviction relief, it has still been quite shocking to see the hurdles faced by those seeking relief, as well as how long some of these post-conviction cases can last. Our client was arrested in 1991, before I was even born, and will continue his mission for relief at least into the new year, 2026. 

Just as surprising has been seeing how difficult it can be, even in other jurisdictions, to obtain post-conviction review in the first place. Many states offer few opportunities for such review, and the inevitable result is that individuals are sitting in prison for crimes they did not commit.

How has this experience changed your view of the law, the legal system, and/or your role as an advocate? 

It has been a reminder that individual cases are a vital way to effectuate change. Though we often think of impact litigation as the driving force behind significant shifts in the law, influential court opinions can arise from single-client representation. An Illinois appellate court opinion in our client’s case has been cited by others in similar situations for support, sometimes leading to their exoneration. Though our client is still seeking his justice, it’s a reminder that zealous advocacy for your client can have external ripple effects.

How has your clinical work influenced your career goals or sense of purpose as a future lawyer? 

It has made me motivated to keep working on wrongful convictions in whatever capacity is possible throughout my legal career. I love the work and want to keep doing it as long as I can.

Our clinical faculty have also served as personal role models as to the kind of lawyer I would like to be when I begin practicing. 

What advice would you give a fellow student considering enrolling in a clinic? 

Enroll as soon as you can! It’s the best practical experience you can get while in law school. It also allows you to work under some phenomenal attorneys and learn directly from them.

Anything else you’d like to share? 

Clinical work is the most important and valuable thing you can do as a law student. Wherever your professional career may take you, this is an opportunity to do significant, hands-on work, and everyone able should take it and make the most of it.