More. . .

Academics & Life Menu

Clinical Courses

The courses listed below provide a taste of the clinical courses offered at the Law School. This list includes the courses taught in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years. Not all of these courses are offered every year, but this list will give you a representative sample of the variety of courses we might offer over any two-year period. Other new courses will likely be offered during your time at the Law School.

PLEASE NOTE: This page does not include courses for the current academic year. To browse current course offerings, visit my.UChicago.

Jump to a course

Courses

Abrams Environmental Law Clinic

Students in the Abrams Environmental Law Clinic promote clean energy, fight against water pollution, protect natural resources and human health, and address legacy contamination. Students learn practical legal skills, such as conducting factual investigations, interviewing witnesses and preparing affidavits, reviewing administrative determinations, drafting motions, working with experts, arguing motions and presenting at trial or an administrative hearing. The Clinic represents regional and national environmental organizations and individuals and often works with co-counsel. In addition to litigation, the Clinic may also engage in legislative reform and rule-making efforts; students interested solely in that kind of work should notify the instructor before joining the Clinic. While the course does not have any pre-requisites, students are strongly encouraged to take an environmental law, energy law, and/or administrative law courses at some point during their time in the clinic. A student enrolling in the Clinic for the first time should sign up for two credits; in subsequent quarters, the student may enroll for one, two or three credits per quarter after consultation with clinic faculty. Spring clinic seats are open to 2L and 3L students only.

Class evaluation is based on: Substantial out of class work, legal research and writing, oral presentation and advocacy.

Previously:

  • Winter 2024: Mark N. Templeton, Jacob Schuhardt, Sam Heppell
  • Winter 2023: Mark N. Templeton
  • Autumn 2023: Mark N. Templeton, Jacob Schuhardt, Sam Heppell
  • Autumn 2022: Mark N. Templeton
  • Spring 2023: Mark N. Templeton
  • Spring 2022: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Winter 2022: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Autumn 2021: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Spring 2021: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Winter 2021: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Autumn 2020: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Spring 2020: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Winter 2020: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Autumn 2019: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Winter 2019: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Autumn 2018: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Spring 2018: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Winter 2018: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Autumn 2017: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock

Civil Rights Clinic: Police Accountability

The Civil Rights and Police Accountability Project (PAP) is one of the nation's leading law civil rights clinics focusing on issues of criminal justice. Through the lens of live-client work, students examine how and where litigation fits into broader efforts to improve police accountability and ultimately the criminal justice system. Students provide legal services to indigent victims of police abuse in federal and state courts. They litigate civil rights cases at each level of the court system from trial through appeals. Some students also represent children and adults in related juvenile or criminal defense matters. Students take primary responsibility for all aspects of the litigation, including client counseling, fact investigation, case strategy, witness interviews, legal research, pleadings and legal memoranda, discovery, depositions, motion practice, evidentiary hearings, trials, and appeals. A significant amount of legal writing is expected. Students work in teams on cases or projects, and meet with the instructor on at minimum a weekly basis. Students also take primary responsibility for the Clinic's policy and public education work. PAP teaches students to apply and critically examine legal theory in the context of representation of people in need. It teaches students to analyze how and why individual cases of abuse occur and to connect them to systemic problems, often leading to "public impact" litigation and other strategies for policy reform. Through our immersion in live client work, we engage fundamental issues of race, class, and gender, and their intersection with legal institutions. We instruct students in legal ethics and advocacy skills. And we seek to instill in them a public service ethos, as they begin their legal careers. Students are required to complete, prior to their third year, Evidence, Criminal Procedure I, and the Intensive Trial Practice Workshop. Constitutional Law III is also recommended.

Previously:

  • Spring 2024: Craig Futterman
  • Winter 2024: Craig Futterman
  • Autumn 2022: Craig Futterman
  • Spring 2023: Craig Futterman
  • Autumn 2023: Craig Futterman
  • Winter 2023: Craig Futterman
  • Spring 2022: Craig Futterman
  • Autumn 2021: Craig Futterman
  • Spring 2021: Craig Futterman
  • Winter 2021: Craig Futterman
  • Autumn 2020: Craig Futterman
  • Spring 2020: Craig Futterman
  • Winter 2020: Craig Futterman
  • Winter 2019: Craig Futterman
  • Autumn 2019: Craig Futterman
  • Spring 2019: Craig Futterman
  • Winter 2019: Craig Futterman
  • Autumn 2018: Craig Futterman
  • Spring 2018: Craig Futterman
  • Winter 2018: Craig Futterman
  • Autumn 2017: Craig Futterman

Criminal and Juvenile Justice Clinic

The Criminal and Juvenile Justice Clinic (CJJC) provides legal representation to poor children and young adults who are accused or have been convicted of delinquency and crime. The CJJC is a national leader in expanding the concept of legal representation for children and young adults to include their social, psychological, and educational needs. Students will examine the juvenile and criminal legal systems' relationship to the poor and marginalized through litigation, legislative advocacy, and public education. Students will learn a wide array of litigation skills. They will draft motions, briefs, and other pleadings in state, appellate, and federal courts. They will also interview clients and witnesses; inspect crime scenes; conduct fact investigations; participate in hearings, trials, sentencings, and post-conviction matters; and pursue alternatives to incarceration. Licensed third-year students may appear in court, argue motions and appeals, negotiate with opposing counsel, and serve as "second chairs" for trials. The CJJC also advocates for system change and for smart policies for crime and violence prevention. Students work in teams, including with the CJJC social worker and social work students, to foster collaboration and ensure continuity in representation. Participation in the CJJC includes a weekly seminar session. Students wishing to enroll are strongly encouraged to take Evidence during their second year and to take Criminal Procedure and the Intensive Trial Practice Workshop or another Trial Advocacy course. The CJJC is a full-year clinic with a preference for 3L students. Students with questions may contact Professor Erica Zunkel at ezunkel@uchicago.edu to learn more.

Previously:

  • Winter 2024: Herschella G. Conyers, Erica Zunkel
  • Spring 2024: Herschella G. Conyers, Erica Zunkel, Craig Futterman
  • Spring 2023: Herschella Conyers
  • Winter 2023: Herschella Conyers
  • Autumn 2022: Herschella Conyers
  • Spring 2022: Herschella Conyers
  • Winter 2022: Herschella Conyers
  • Autumn 2021: Herschella Conyers
  • Spring 2021: Herschella Conyers
  • Winter 2021: Herschella Conyers
  • Autumn 2020: Herschella Conyers
  • Spring 2020: Herschella Conyers
  • Winter 2020: Herschella Conyers
  • Autumn 2019: Herschella Conyers
  • Spring 2019: Herschella Conyers
  • Winter 2019: Herschella Conyers
  • Autumn 2018: Herschella Conyers
  • Spring 2018: Herschella Conyers and Randolph Stone
  • Winter 2018: Herschella Conyers and Randolph Stone
  • Autumn 2017: Herschella Conyers and Randolph Stone

Employment Law Clinic

Randall D. Schmidt and his students operate the Clinic's Employment Law Clinic. The Clinic focuses primarily on pre-trial litigation and handles a number of individual cases and class actions. In individual cases, the Clinic represents clients in cases in federal court or the Illinois Human Rights Commission and seeks to obtain relief for clients from race, sex, national origin, and handicap discrimination in the work place. In the class actions, the Clinic represents groups of employees in employment and civil rights actions in federal court. Additionally, the Clinic is appointed each year to represent a few clients in appeals pending before the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals and in settlement conferences in the District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Finally, in addition to its individual cases and law reform/impact cases, the Clinic seeks to improve the procedures and remedies available to victims of employment discrimination so that employees have a fair opportunity to present their claims in a reasonably expeditious way. To accomplish this goal, the Clinic is active in the legislative arena and participates with other civil rights groups in efforts to amend and improve state and federal laws. It is suggested, but not required, that all students in the Employment Law Clinic take the Employment Discrimination Law seminar. It is recommended that third-year students take, prior to their third year, either the Intensive Trial Practice Workshop or some other trial practice course. The student's grade is based on class participation. Academic credit varies and will be awarded according to the Law School's general criteria for clinical courses as described in the Law School Announcements and by the approval of the clinical faculty. Evidence is a prerequisite for 3L's in the clinic. The Intensive Trial Practice Workshop (or an equivalent trial practice course) is recommended for 3L's in the clinic.

Students will be evaluated on their written and oral work on behalf of the Clinic's clients.

Previously:

  • Spring 2024: Randall Schmidt
  • Winter 2024: Randall Schmidt
  • Winter 2023: Randall Schmidt
  • Spring 2023: Randall Schmidt
  • Autumn 2023: Randall Schmidt
  • Autumn 2022: Randall Schmidt
  • Spring 2022: Randall Schmidt
  • Winter 2022: Randall Schmidt
  • Autumn 2021: Randall Schmidt
  • Spring 2021: Randall Schmidt
  • Winter 2021: Randall Schmidt
  • Autumn 2020: Randall Schmidt
  • Spring 2020: Randall Schmidt
  • Winter 2020: Randall Schmidt
  • Autumn 2019: Randall Schmidt
  • Spring 2019: Randall Schmidt
  • Winter 2019: Randall Schmidt
  • Autumn 2018: Randall Schmidt
  • Spring 2018: Randall Schmidt
  • Winter 2018: Randall Schmidt
  • Autumn 2017: Randall Schmidt

Entrepreneurship and the Law

This seminar examines how the law and legal counsel influence innovation and entrepreneurship in the US, whether by micro-enterprises or high-growth disruptors. The seminar explores the position of the entrepreneur in society, in the economy, and in our constitutional framework, in order to analyze the entrepreneur's fundamental legal needs. We survey legal questions particular to start-ups, including strategies for structuring a business organization, financing, and protecting intellectual property. Assignments require students to research issues that apply to hypothetical and real start-ups and practice lawyerly skills like strategic planning, negotiation, drafting, and counseling. Students' grades will be based on active participation, short written assignments, some out-of-class work and group projects and a research paper. Cumulatively, the papers should total 6000-7500 words.

Previously:

  • Winter 2024: Elizabeth Kregor, Catherine Gryczan
  • Winter 2023: Elizabeth Kregor, Catherine Gryczan
  • Winter 2022: Elizabeth Kregor and Catherine Gryczan
  • Winter 2021: Elizabeth Kregor
  • Winter 2020: Elizabeth Kregor and Amy Hermalik
  • Autumn 2018: Elizabeth Kregor and Amy Hermalik
  • Autumn 2017: Salen Churi, Elizabeth Kregor, and Amy Hermalik

Exoneration Project Clinic

The Exoneration Project is a post-conviction clinical project that represents people convicted of crimes of which they are innocent. Students working in our Project assist in every aspect of representation including selecting cases, advising clients, investigating and developing evidence, drafting pleadings, making oral arguments, examining witnesses at evidentiary hearings, and appellate litigation. Through participation in our Project, students explore issues of error and inequality in the criminal justice system, including police and prosecutorial misconduct, the use of faulty scientific evidence, coerced confessions, unreliable eyewitness testimony, and ineffective assistance of counsel. The Exoneration Project is an intensive, rigorous experience designed for students who are committed to providing the best possible representation to deserving clients. Second-year students wishing to enroll in the Project are encouraged to take Evidence in their second year. Third-year students are required to complete, prior to their third year, Evidence and the Intensive Trial Practice Workshop (although we recognize that that may not always be possible and will consider appropriate alternatives). Students are strongly encouraged but not required to take Criminal Procedure I and II. Students will receive credit for the work they do in accordance with the credit rules for all other clinical programs. Given the nature of our work, students are encouraged (but not required) to enroll in our clinic for at least a year.

Previously:

  • Spring 2024: Russel Ainsworth, Karl Arthur Leonard, and Lauren Myerscough-Mueller
  • Winter 2024: Russel Ainsworth, Karl Arthur Leonard, and Lauren Myerscough-Mueller
  • Spring 2023: Russel Ainsworth, Karl Arthur Leonard, and Lauren Myerscough-Mueller
  • Winter 2023: Russel Ainsworth, Karl Arthur Leonard, and Lauren Myerscough-Mueller
  • Autumn 2023: Russel Ainsworth, Karl Arthur Leonard, and Lauren Myerscough-Mueller
  • Autumn 2022: Russel Ainsworth, Karl Arthur Leonard, and Lauren Myerscough-Mueller
  • Spring 2022: Russel Ainsworth, Karl Arthur Leonard, and Lauren Myerscough-Mueller
  • Winter 2022: Russel Ainsworth, Karl Arthur Leonard, and Lauren Myerscough-Mueller
  • Autumn 2021: Russel Ainsworth, Karl Arthur Leonard, and Lauren Myerscough-Mueller
  • Spring 2021: Russel Ainsworth, Karl Arthur Leonard, and Lauren Myerscough-Mueller
  • Winter 2021: Russel Ainsworth, Karl Arthur Leonard, and Lauren Myerscough-Mueller
  • Autumn 2020: Russel Ainsworth, Karl Arthur Leonard, and Lauren Myerscough-Mueller
  • Spring 2020: Joshua Tepfer, Karl Arthur Leonard, and Russel Ainsworth
  • Winter 2020: Joshua Tepfer, Karl Arthur Leonard, and Russel Ainsworth
  • Autumn 2019: Joshua Tepfer, Karl Arthur Leonard, and Russel Ainsworth
  • Spring 2019: Tara Thompson, David Owens, and Joshua Tepfer
  • Winter 2019: Tara Thompson, David Owens, Joshua Tepfer, Russell Ainsworth, and Karl Leonard
  • Autumn 2018: Tara Thompson, David Owens, Joshua Tepfer, Russell Ainsworth, and Karl Leonard
  • Spring 2018: Tara Thompson, David Owens, Joshua Tepfer, and Russell Ainsworth
  • Winter 2018: Tara Thompson, David Owens, Joshua Tepfer, and Russell Ainsworth
  • Autumn 2017: Tara Thompson, David Owens, Joshua Tepfer, and Russell Ainsworth

Federal Criminal Justice Clinic

The Federal Criminal Justice Clinic is the nation's first legal clinic devoted to representing indigent clients charged with federal felonies, pursuing impact litigation in federal court, and engaging in systemic reform of the federal criminal system with a focus on combating racial disparities.

The FCJC litigates in federal district court in Chicago, before the Seventh Circuit, and in the U.S. Supreme Court. In our district court litigation, FCJC students may have an opportunity to interview clients and witnesses; meet with clients; conduct and participate in hearings and trials; research, write, and argue motions and briefs; and participate in case investigations. FCJC students also litigate post-conviction compassionate release motions and have secured release for several clients. Students involved in appellate litigation write briefs to the Seventh Circuit and the Supreme Court and may conduct oral argument. On the reform front, students engage in legislative advocacy before Congress and have created the first federal courtwatching projects in the country.

The FCJC seminar includes skills exercises, simulations, lectures, case rounds, guest speakers, and discussions. The pre-requisites/co-requisites are Evidence and Criminal Procedure I; these courses may be taken at any time during law school. It is strongly recommended that 3L students take the Intensive Trial Practice Workshop in September 2023 and that all students take Professor Siegler's Criminal Procedure II class. The FCJC is a year-long clinic. First priority is given to 3Ls; the remaining slots go to 2Ls.

Students who want to learn more about the FCJC or who have questions about the enrollment requirements may contact Profs. Siegler, Zunkel, or Miller.

Previously:

  • Autumn 2022: Alison Siegler, Erica Zunkel, and Judith P. Miller
  • Spring 2023: Alison Siegler, Erica Zunkel, and Judith P. Miller
  • Winter 2023: Alison Siegler, Erica Zunkel, and Judith P. Miller
  • Spring 2022: Alison Siegler
  • Winter 2022: Alison Siegler
  • Autumn 2021: Alison Siegler and Judith P. Miller
  • Spring 2021: Alison Siegler, Erica Zunkel, and Judith P. Miller
  • Winter 2021: Alison Siegler, Erica Zunkel, and Judith P. Miller
  • Autumn 2020: Alison Siegler, Erica Zunkel, and Judith P. Miller
  • Spring 2020: Alison Siegler, Erica Zunkel, and Judith P. Miller
  • Winter 2020: Alison Siegler, Erica Zunkel, and Judith P. Miller
  • Autumn 2019: Alison Siegler, Erica Zunkel, and Judith P. Miller
  • Spring 2019: Alison Siegler
  • Winter 2019: Alison Siegler, Erica Zunkel, and Judith P. Miller
  • Autumn 2018: Alison Siegler, Erica Zunkel, and Judith P. Miller
  • Spring 2018: Alison Siegler, Erica Zunkel, and James R. DuBray
  • Winter 2018: Alison Siegler, Erica Zunkel, and James R. DuBray
  • Autumn 2017: Alison Siegler, Erica Zunkel, and Judith P. Miller

Global Human Rights Clinic

The Global Human Rights Clinic (GHRC) works alongside partners and communities to advance justice and address the inequalities and structural disparities that lead to human rights violations worldwide. The GHRC uses diverse tactics and interdisciplinary methods to tackle pressing and under-addressed human rights issues. The GHRC is constantly advancing the dual aims of advocating for important change around the world, and training the next generation of effective, ethical, creative lawyers. As part of this we seek to innovate and think not just about what the human rights field is, but what it could be and what it should be. Students in the GHRC work in project teams, and develop essential lawyering skills, including interviewing, media advocacy, cultural competency, strategic thinking, teamwork, and leadership. The clinic uses a broad range of tactics, including documentation, reporting and mixed methods factfinding; legislative and institutional reform; investigations; and litigation. The work of the GHRC varies each year but includes investigating and advancing accountability for mass atrocities, war crimes, and armed conflict, addressing the impacts of colonialism, advocating for equality and non-discrimination, and advancing socio-economic rights. Students may enroll for up to three credits in the Clinic per quarter. New students to GHRC enrolled in the J.D. program should plan to take the Clinic for three quarters for a minimum of two credits each quarter, unless they receive faculty approval prior to registration. Continuing J.D. students and LLMs may take the Clinic for any allowable amount of credits and quarters. Participation may be considered in final grading. Students who have particular language skills, especially Spanish or French highly encouraged to participate. Recommended (not required) co-requisites: Public International Law.

Previously:

  • Spring 2024: Anjli Parrin
  • Winter 2024: Anjli Parrin
  • Autumn 2023: Anjli Parrin
  • Spring 2023: Anjli Parrin
  • Winter 2023: Anjli Parrin
  • Spring 2022: Claudia M. Flores and Mariana Olaizola Rosenblat
  • Winter 2022: Mariana Olaizola Rosenblat
  • Autumn 2022: Anjli Parrins
  • Autumn 2021: Mariana Olaizola Rosenblat
  • Spring 2021: Claudia M. Flores and Mariana Olaizola Rosenblat
  • Winter 2021: Claudia M. Flores and Mariana Olaizola Rosenblat
  • Autumn 2020: Claudia M. Flores and Mariana Olaizola Rosenblat

Housing Initiative Transactional Clinic

The Housing Initiative Transactional Clinic provides legal representation on complex real estate development projects to build affordable housing. Clients include nonprofit, community-based affordable housing developers and housing cooperatives. Students serve as deal lawyers, working with clients and teams of professionals -- such as financial consultants, architects, marketing professionals, property managers, and social service providers -- to bring affordable housing and mixed use development projects to fruition. Projects range from single family rehabs with budgets in the $30,000 to $75,000 range, to multi-million dollar rental and mixed use projects financed by low income housing tax credits, tax exempt bonds, TIF, and other layered subsidies. Students also counsel nonprofit clients on governance and tax issues related to their work. In addition to their client work, students meet as a group in a weekly two-hour seminar in autumn quarter, and in a weekly one-hour seminar during winter and spring quarters, to discuss the substantive rules and legal skills pertinent to real estate development transactions and to examine emergent issues arising out of the students' work. During the fall quarter seminar, returning clinic students need only attend the first hour; new students should attend for the full two hours. In the winter and spring quarters, all students should attend all the one-hour seminar sessions. Academic credit for the Housing Initiative Transactional Clinic varies and is awarded according to the Law School's general criteria for clinical courses as described in the Law School Announcements and by the approval of the clinical faculty.

Previously:

  • Spring 2024: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Winter 2024: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Autumn 2022: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Autumn 2023: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Winter 2023: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Spring 2023: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Spring 2022: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Spring 2021: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Winter 2021: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Autumn 2020: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Spring 2020: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Winter 2020: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Autumn 2019: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Spring 2019: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Winter 2019: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Autumn 2018: Jeffrey E. Leslie

Immigrants' Rights Clinic

The Immigrants' Rights Clinic provides legal representation to immigrant communities in Chicago, including individual representation of immigrants in removal proceedings, immigration-related complex federal litigation, and policy and community education projects on behalf of community-based organizations. Students will interview clients, develop claims and defenses, draft complaints, engage in motion practice and settlement discussions, appear in federal, state, and administrative courts, conduct oral arguments and trials, brief and argue appeals, and engage in media advocacy. In the policy and community education projects, students may develop and conduct community presentations, draft and advocate for legislation at the state and local levels, research and draft public policy reports, and provide support to immigrants' rights organizations.

Past and current projects include challenges to national security detention, a civil rights lawsuit alleging Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment challenges against state law enforcement involved in an arrest that led to deportation, Seventh Circuit appeals of removal orders, representation of asylum seekers and human trafficking victims, suing local police departments for failure to comply with immigration-related Illinois state laws, representing Afghans left behind after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, and publication of the first guide to the immigration consequences of criminal convictions for criminal defense attorneys in Illinois.

The seminar will meet for two hours per week and will include classes on the fundamentals of immigration law and policy as well as skills-based classes that connect to the students' fieldwork. Both 2L and 3L students are encouraged to apply. 2Ls must enroll for 2 credits per quarter. 3Ls can enroll for 2 or 3 credits per quarter. Students are encouraged (but not required) to co-enroll in Immigration Law in the fall.

Previously:

  • Spring 2024: A. Nicole Hallett
  • Winter 2024: A. Nicole Hallett
  • Autumn 2022: A. Nicole Hallett
  • Winter 2023: A. Nicole Hallett
  • Spring 2023: A. Nicole Hallett
  • Autumn 2023: A. Nicole Hallett
  • Autumn 2022: A. Nicole Hallett
  • Spring 2022: A. Nicole Hallett
  • Winter 2022: A. Nicole Hallett
  • Autumn 2021: A. Nicole Hallett
  • Spring 2021: A. Nicole Hallett
  • Winter 2021: A. Nicole Hallett
  • Autumn 2020: A. Nicole Hallett
  • Spring 2020: A. Nicole Hallett
  • Winter 2020: A. Nicole Hallett

Innovation Clinic

The Innovation Clinic gives students the opportunity to counsel startups and venture capital funds on a broad range of corporate law and strategic issues, including regulatory compliance, entity formation, stock options and employee equity, privacy, employment, governance and founders' agreements, licenses, seed stage funding transactions, and commercial agreements. Students also present on such topics at the Argonne National Laboratories' Chain Reaction Innovations Incubator and at the Polsky Center. In addition to their work with the Clinic's clients and the substantive topic areas to be covered, students will have the opportunity to train in, and develop, the soft skills that separate good lawyers from highly effective lawyers in a transactional practice, such as negotiation, client management, preparedness and flexibility. Students will work with startups across a wide variety of industries and will also complete non-client related homework assignments to prepare them for client work. Students are required to enroll in the Clinic for a minimum of two consecutive quarters, and enrollment is currently capped at three consecutive quarters of participation. Students may take between 1-3 credits in any given quarter.

Students will be evaluated based on the quality of work they prepare for the Clinic's clients, how well they interact with clients and demonstrate a command of the soft skills required for effective transactional legal practice, and the volume and quality of their participation during in-class sessions.

Previously:

  • Spring 2024: Emily Underwood
  • Winter 2024: Emily Underwood
  • Autumn 2023: Emily Underwood
  • Winter 2023: Emily Underwood
  • Spring 2023: Emily Underwood
  • Autumn 2022: Emily Underwood
  • Spring 2022: Emily Underwood
  • Winter 2022: Emily Underwood
  • Autumn 2021: Emily Underwood
  • Spring 2021: Emily Underwood
  • Winter 2021: Emily Underwood
  • Autumn 2020: Emily Underwood
  • Spring 2020: Emily Underwood
  • Winter 2020: Emily Underwood
  • Autumn 2019: Emily Underwood
  • Winter 2019: Emily Underwood
  • Autumn 2018: Emily Underwood
  • Spring 2018: Salen Churi
  • Winter 2018: Salen Churi
  • Autumn 2017: Salen Churi

Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship

The Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship, or IJ Clinic, provides legal assistance to low-income entrepreneurs who are pursuing the American Dream in spite of legal obstacles. IJ Clinic students develop practical skills in transactional lawyering while helping creative entrepreneurs earn an honest living, innovate, and build businesses that build neighborhoods. Students advise clients on issues such as business formation, licensing, zoning, strategic relationships, employment law, intellectual property protection, and regulatory compliance. Students become trusted advisors for their clients and have the opportunity to consult with clients on business developments; draft and review custom contracts; negotiate deals; research complex regulatory schemes and advise clients on how to comply; and occasionally appear before administrative bodies. Students may also work on policy projects to change laws that restrict low-income entrepreneurs. Policy work may involve legislative drafting, lobbying, and community organizing. Academic credit varies and will be awarded according to the Law School's general criteria for clinical courses as described in the Law School Announcements and by the approval of the clinical staff. A commitment of at least two consecutive quarters is required. Students must enroll for two credits for their first quarter in the IJ Clinic.

Evaluation is based holistically on the student's client work.

Previously:

  • Spring 2024: Elizabeth Kregor and Catherine Gryczan
  • Winter 2024: Elizabeth Kregor and Catherine Gryczan
  • Spring 2023: Elizabeth Kregor and Catherine Gryczan
  • Winter 2023: Elizabeth Kregor and Catherine Gryczan
  • Autumn 2023: Elizabeth Kregor and Catherine Gryczan
  • Autumn 2022: Elizabeth Kregor and Catherine Gryczan
  • Spring 2022: Elizabeth Kregor and Catherine Gryczan
  • Winter 2022: Elizabeth Kregor and Catherine Gryczan
  • Autumn 2021: Elizabeth Kregor and Catherine Gryczan
  • Spring 2021: Elizabeth Kregor
  • Winter 2021: Elizabeth Kregor
  • Autumn 2020: Elizabeth Kregor and Amy Hermalik
  • Spring 2020: Elizabeth Kregor and Amy Hermalik
  • Winter 2020: Elizabeth Kregor and Amy Hermalik
  • Autumn 2019: Elizabeth Kregor and Amy Hermalik
  • Spring 2019: Elizabeth Kregor and Amy Hermalik
  • Winter 2019: Elizabeth Kregor and Amy Hermalik
  • Autumn 2018: Elizabeth Kregor and Amy Hermalik
  • Spring 2018: Elizabeth Kregor and Amy Hermalik
  • Winter 2018: Elizabeth Kregor and Amy Hermalik
  • Autumn 2017: Elizabeth Kregor and Amy Hermalik

Intensive Trial Practice Workshop

This class teaches trial preparation, trial advocacy, and strategy through a variety of teaching techniques, including lectures, demonstrations, and simulated trial exercises. Topics include opening statement, witness preparation, direct and cross examination, expert witnesses, objections at trial, and closing argument. Practicing lawyers and judges provide students with demonstrations and critiques from varied perspectives. The class concludes with a simulated jury trial presided over by sitting federal and state court judges.

This is a required class for participation in the Civil Rights-Police Accountability Clinic, the Criminal & Juvenile Justice Clinic, and the Exoneration Clinic. This class is strongly recommended for participation in the Employment Law Clinic, the Federal Criminal Justice Clinic, and the Immigrants' Rights Clinic. It is also open to all rising 3L J.D. students (no L.L.M.s), regardless of participation in any clinic. The faculty strongly recommends that students take Evidence prior to enrolling in this course. Completion of this class partially satisfies one of the requirements for admission to the trial bar of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Students who have taken Trial Advocacy (LAWS 67603 or LAWS 81010) or Trial Practice: Strategy and Advocacy (LAWS 91702) may not take this class.

This class is offered for approximately 5-6 hours per day in the two weeks prior to the beginning of the Autumn Quarter. Week One is Monday, September 11 through Friday, September 15. Week Two is Monday, September 18 through Friday, September 22. The final trial is scheduled for Saturday, September 23. The student's grade is based on a compilation of daily performance evaluations and performance during the simulated jury trial.

For more information regarding the Intensive Trial Practice Workshop, please email Professor Futterman at futterman@uchicago.edu.

Previously:

  • Autumn 2023: Herschella Conyers, Craig Futterman, Erica Zunkel, Judith P Miller, and Jorge Alonso
  • Autumn 2022: Herschella Conyers, Craig Futterman, Erica Zunkel, Judith P Miller, and Jorge Alonso
  • Autumn 2021: Herschella Conyers, Craig Futterman, Erica Zunkel, Judith P Miller, and Jorge Alonso
  • Autumn 2019: Herschella Conyers, Craig Futterman, and Erica Zunkel
  • Autumn 2018: Herschella Conyers, Craig Futterman, Erica Zunkel, and Jorge Alonso
  • Autumn 2017: Herschella Conyers, Randolph Stone, and Craig Futterman

Jenner & Block Supreme Court and Appellate Clinic

The Jenner & Block Supreme Court and Appellate Clinic represents parties and amici curiae in cases before the United States Supreme Court and other appellate courts. Students work on all aspects of the clinic's cases -- from formulating case strategy; to researching and writing merits briefs, amicus curiae briefs, and petitions for certiorari; to preparing for oral arguments. Students also conduct research on cases that may be suitable to bring to the U.S. Supreme Court. Although the clinic's focus is the U.S. Supreme Court, the clinic may also handle cases in the United States Courts of Appeals and the Illinois Supreme Court.

The clinic is supervised by Associate Clinical Professor Sarah Konsky, Professor David Strauss, and members of the Appellate and Supreme Court Practice group at Jenner & Block. U.S. Supreme Court: Theory and Practice (LAWS 50311) is required as either a pre-requisite or co-requisite for 2L and 3L students participating in the clinic. Students who have successfully completed a course covering content comparable to the U.S. Supreme Court: Theory and Practice seminar may seek consent from Professor Konsky to waive the co-requisite requirement. Academic credit for the clinic varies and is awarded according to the Law School's general criteria for clinical courses as described in the Law School Announcements and by the approval of the clinical faculty.

Previously:

  • Spring 2024: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Winter 2024: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Spring 2023: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Winter 2023: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Autum 2023: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Autumn 2022: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Spring 2022: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Winter 2022: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Autumn 2021: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Spring 2021: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Winter 2021: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Autumn 2020: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Spring 2020: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Winter 2020: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Autumn 2019: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Winter 2019: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Autumn 2018: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Spring 2018: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Winter 2018: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Autumn 2017: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky

Kirkland & Ellis Corporate Lab Clinic

The Kirkland & Ellis Corporate Lab provides students with a forum for working closely with legal and business teams across a range of top-tier multinational companies, leading nonprofits, private equity sponsors, venture capital funds, and entrepreneurial startups.

The primary goal of the Lab is for students to learn practical legal skills, both substantively, in terms of the corporate ""building blocks"" necessary to understand complex transactions and agreements, and professionally, in terms of implementing such knowledge efficiently and meaningfully within the context of a wide array of careers as lawyers and business leaders.

This class mirrors the real world work experience of both litigators and corporate lawyers: students will receive hands-on substantive and client-development experience and will be expected to manage and meet expectations and deadlines while exercising a high level of professionalism.

Clients will include, among others, Accenture, Allstate, A.T. Kearney, Barilla, Booth School of Business New Venture Challenge startups (Spring Quarter), Grubhub, Honeywell, IBM, John Deere, Koch Industries, Microsoft, Nike, Owens Corning, 3M, Verizon Communications, and Victoria's Secret.

Corporate Lab students will have the option to negotiate a simulated cross-border transaction opposite students of a leading foreign law school as part of the negotiation workshop component of the Corporate Lab (Autumn Quarter). Additionally, students will have the option (Winter Quarter) to work closely with small teams of Kirkland & Ellis attorneys on assignments (including for live clients), across practice groups, designed to teach strategic planning, drafting, negotiation, and business counseling skills.

Please note: (i) students are expected to remain in the Corporate Lab for a minimum of two consecutive quarters, http://www.law.uchicago.edu/corporatelab. (Reduced 2-credit option available with instructor permission.)

Previously:

  • Winter 2024: David Zarfes, Josh Avratin, and Sean Z. Kramer
  • Spring 2024: David Zarfes, Josh Avratin, and Sean Z. Kramer
  • Spring 2023: David Zarfes, Josh Avratin, and Sean Z. Kramer
  • Winter 2023: David Zarfes, Josh Avratin, and Sean Z. Kramer
  • Autumn 2023: David Zarfes, Josh Avratin, and Sean Z. Kramer
  • Autumn 2022: David Zarfes, Josh Avratin, and Sean Z. Kramer
  • Spring 2022: David Zarfes, Josh Avratin, and Sean Z. Kramer
  • Winter 2022: David Zarfes, Josh Avratin, and Sean Z. Kramer
  • Autumn 2021: David Zarfes, Josh Avratin, and Sean Z. Kramer
  • Spring 2021: David Zarfes, Josh Avratin, and Sean Z. Kramer
  • Winter 2021: David Zarfes, Josh Avratin, and Sean Z. Kramer
  • Autumn 2020: David Zarfes, Josh Avratin, and Sean Z. Kramer
  • Spring 2020: David Zarfes, Sean Z. Kramer, and Josh Avratin
  • Winter 2020: David Zarfes, Sean Z. Kramer, and Josh Avratin
  • Autumn 2019: David Zarfes, Sean Z. Kramer, and Josh Avratin

Poverty and Housing Law Clinic

This clinic is a multi-quarter clinic spanning over winter and spring quarters. In his Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, Matthew Desmond concludes that evictions are not a symptom of poverty. They are a direct cause. In the Poverty and Housing Law Clinic, you will learn how to defend low-income tenants (many of whom have disabilities or young children, or are victims of domestic violence) against unwarranted evictions. Many of these tenants live within just a few miles of The Law School. You will attend weekly lectures about subsidized housing programs, eviction actions, trial practice, housing discrimination, the intersection between domestic violence and housing, and the extensive and often misunderstood connection between criminal law and subsidized housing. Most important, you will work twelve hours a week in the Housing Practice Group at Legal Aid Chicago, the Midwest's largest provider of free civil legal services to the poor. Every year more than 30,000 people call Legal Aid Chicago seeking our assistance. And every year the Housing Practice Group represents hundreds of tenants facing eviction from the only housing they can afford. We also help clients preserve their tenant-based rental assistance, gain admission to subsidized housing developments, force landlords to make necessary repairs, and challenge illegal discrimination.

Previously:

  • Spring 2024: Dennericka Brooks
  • Winter 2024: Dennericka Brooks
  • Winter 2023: Dennericka Brooks
  • Spring 2023: Dennericka Brooks
  • Spring 2022: Lawrence Wood
  • Winter 2022: Lawrence Wood
  • Spring 2021: Lawrence Wood
  • Winter 2021: Lawrence Wood
  • Spring 2020: Lawrence Wood
  • Winter 2020: Lawrence Wood
  • Spring 2019: Lawrence Wood
  • Winter 2019: Lawrence Wood

Prosecution and Defense Clinic

The Prosecution and Defense Clinic is designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn about the criminal justice system through: (1) a 2-quarter seminar taught by a former Assistant United States Attorney and a career criminal defense attorney; and, (2) a clinical placement in either a prosecutor's office or public defender's office. The goal of the course is to familiarize students with the legal procedures and issues which arise in a typical criminal case as well as ethical and other social justice issues (such as race and poverty) routinely considered by all criminal justice attorneys and courts. The clinic will provide students with a unique combination of substantive criminal law and procedure, ethics, trial practice (through participation in courtroom exercises built around federal criminal cases), and hands-on experience through a clinical placement.

Each student in the clinic is responsible for securing a field placement and participating in a pre-screened placement program with a federal or state prosecutor or defender office for the winter and spring quarters (January through May). Field placements will be formally supervised by coordinators within each program's office, and the faculty instructors will monitor the student's substantive work and performance in conjunction with the field placements. Students must comply with the placement's requirements regarding hours and assignments, which will be considered part of the course grade. In the placements, students may be expected to research substantive criminal law issues, draft affirmative and responsive pleadings and memos, interview witnesses and clients, assist lawyers with court hearings and where permitted (and with an appropriate 711 license), appear in court under the supervision of practicing attorneys.

Students receive up to 7 credits for the course.

Previously:

  • Winter 2023: Lisa M. Noller and Molly Armour
  • Spring 2023: Lisa M. Noller and Molly Armour
  • Winter 2022: Lisa M. Noller and Molly Armour
  • Spring 2020: Lisa M. Noller and Molly Armour
  • Winter 2020: Lisa M. Noller and Molly Armour
  • Spring 2018: Lisa M. Noller and Molly Armour
  • Winter 2018: Lisa M. Noller and Molly Armour

Trial Advocacy

This class will focus on the trial phases of civil litigation. Simulated trial problems designed to promote knowledge of the litigation process and to afford individual experience in selected phases of trial practice will be employed to familiarize students with pragmatic tactical issues and solutions. Written trial materials will be used and instruction will by lecture, demonstration, and exercise (including a mini-trial). Students who have taken the Intensive Trial Practice Workshop (LAWS 67503) may not take Trial Advocacy (LAWS 67603). An understanding of the Federal Rules of Evidence is preferred but not a prerequisite. Recommended prerequisite: Evidence (not required). Final grades will be based on class participation, performance during courtroom exercises and the mini-trial, and one or more written assignments. If students wish to earn 3 credits, they will also be required to submit a 4500 word researched trial brief in connection with the final trial.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Jay Cohen
  • Spring 2022: Jay Cohen
  • Spring 2021: Erica Zunkel, Jorge Alonso, Craig Futterman, Herschella Conyers, and Judith P. Miller
  • Spring 2019: Jay Cohen
  • Spring 2018: Jay Cohen