Law 693: First Amendment Clinic

Students in the First Amendment Clinic will represent clients, under the supervision of an experienced attorney, across the political spectrum as part of its mission to advance the freedoms of speech, press and assembly for both groups and individuals. 

Students will be responsible for all aspects of the legal representation of their clients, including client interviewing, case evaluation and research, motion practice and brief writing, drafting pleadings and discovery requests, taking and defending depositions, participating in discovery and settlement conferences, negotiating with opposing parties, identifying and coordinating with experts, and oral advocacy during court appearances.

Students will learn the substantive and procedural areas of First Amendment Law and civil practice.

This is a five credit, graded course, that includes both a clinic and a simultaneous seminar. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 225 hours in the course of the semester. Client obligations must be met on a case by case basis; students should have flexibility in their schedules to meet the demands of their cases. 

Sequence and Prerequisites: Since 1AC students appear in court, they must be eligible for a “Law Student” license to practice law under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 711. This rule requires completion of one half of your required credits to graduate. Alternatively, students must be licensed to practice law in a foreign country. Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, Law 692: Evidence and Law 798: First Amendment is strongly recommended, although not required.

Evaluation: This is a five credit, graded course that includes both a clinic and simultaneous seminar. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 225 hours in the course of the semester. Grades will be based on completion of tasks and performance in the course.

Course Classification: Experiential