University of Texas School of Law - Peregrinus Yearbook (Austin, TX)

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Law School Offers Diverse Clinics Mediation Mental Health Criminal Defense Children ' s Rights Capital Punishment Domestic Violence Immigration Law Juvenile Justice Housing Law The University of Texas School of Law offers 9 different clinics for students to earn valuable hands-on experience in different areas of the law. The following is a short overview of those clinics and what they offer the student. Domestic RIGHT Aubrey c nnatser h - ,s UUU1C3UI. much research t0 do in order „, Violence The clinical component of this course involves student representation of domestic violence victims ' myriad legal problems, including custody, divorce, visitation, housing, consumer, public assistance and procurement of protective orders. The class sessions cover the matters relevant in civil domestic violence cases; from case analysis and handling, to investiga- tion, negotiation, and trial preparation. As a participant in the clinic. Aubrey Connatser says. The Domestic Violence Clinic serves a dual purpose for me. It is a wonderful way to learn how to conduct a famil) law litigation by actually participating in the process, while also heightening my awareness and sensitivity to the often disturbing realities of our clients ' lives. Through her experiences with the Domestic Violence Clinic. Aubrey admits. Suffice it to saj thai I never go home feeling less than blessed. Sfah deputed Ss r edocfti lo I ..v. School ilinics =

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J LEFP Lisa Sparks. Director of Career Ser ABOVE: Rabin Sehoher and Scott Lineberry of Baker Bolts conduct a mock interview to hetp students improve their interviewing skilis.The CSO sponsored manj such seminars for students. —photo by Brendan Moloney ABOVE RIGHT: Yvonne Eckert-Olivere, firsl- year law student talks w iih a representative t ' rom the ACLU of Texas. The CSO also sponsored the Public Service Career Day where students had informal interviews with employers. — photo by Timothy Trahan RIGHT: Midlaws Henry Cruz and Robert Hough discuss the upcoming presidential elections at the CSO ' s Mentor Reception at the Shoreline Grill. —Photo by Dave Harms Career Services Office t ' aavi Services Office — 9

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The Criminal Defense Clinic is the Law School ' s oldest clinical program, having operated continuously since 1474. Clinic students, supervised by skilled practitioners, represent indigent misdemeanor defendants in Travis County. Typical offenses include DW1, theft, drug possession, assault, and prostitution. Criminal The tlllee Supervising Attorneys are board-certified specialists in crinmal law and experienced practitioners and teachers. Students interview clients and DClCnSC witnesses, obtain discovery from the State, litigate pretrial issues, negotiate with prosecutors, and try cases to judges and juries. For appeals, students review trial transcripts, write briefs, and present oral arguments. Over the years, the collaboration between Clinic students and supervisors has produced impressive results, including a victory in the United States Supreme Court. Juvenile Justice This program offers litigation experience while exposing students to the operations of the juvenile justice system, by placing them as student attorneys with the Travis County Juvenile Public Defender. Clients are indigent juveniles, aged 10 to 17. who are charged with criminal offenses ranging from Class B misdemeanors to first degree felonies. Student attorneys are assigned a caseload for which they have primary reponsibility under the supervision of an attorney in the public defender ' s office. The student attorneys perform all investigation, interview, discovery, plea bargain, and litigation functions on their cases. The Juvenile Justice Clinic provides a meaningful opportunity for students to learn juvenile law. interact with clients, advocate for your client in court proceedings, and participate in educating children about the law. Speaking of her experience in the clinic, Kristi Baldwin says, The Juvenile Justice Clinic has provided me with a unique opportunity to enhance my advocacy skills while working on the behalf of children, many of whom are in great need of guidance in their lives. The clinic has heightened my awareness for the need of effective counsel in the cases of children who need a strong advocate on their behalf -- someone to listen to them, to speak up for them, and to stand with them as they face the consequences of their actions. I ' ve truly enjoyed working with my young clients and aiding them through the criminal justice system in the unique role of attorney and counselor. Being part of the juvenile justice clinic has been a truly wonderful experience, and I will count it among my great- est memories and achievements in law school. School Clinics — am