About the Consumer Law Clinic
Wisconsin laws safeguard every person’s right to basic financial security, especially when they are in debt. The Wisconsin Constitution says, “[T]he privilege of the debtor to enjoy the necessary comforts of life shall be recognized by wholesome laws, exempting a reasonable amount of property from seizure or sale for the payment of any debt or liability….” Art. I, § 17.
The Consumer Law Clinic:
- educates law students to become empathetic and effective lawyers;
- provides legal assistance to Wisconsin consumers, focusing on debt defense and garnishment protections; and
- works to increase access to the civil legal system for underrepresented Wisconsin residents.
Information for Students
Clinical Program Information
Consumer Law Clinic students explore how the legal system creates and sustains economic injustice. Specifically, the students:
- practice in a collaborative, supportive, and dynamic team;
- gain key professional skills such as interviewing, investigating facts, representing clients, communicating with a variety of audiences, and researching and applying statutes;
- reflect upon their journeys to becoming lawyers;
- become well-informed consumers themselves; and
- discuss contemporary issues in consumer protection.
The CLC will be offered for the fall and spring semesters, for a total of 6 experiential learning credits. Students must enroll for 3 credits for both semesters. The CLC does not satisfy the Law School Upper-level Writing Requirement.
Director Sarah Orr loves to talk with students about the CLC! Contact her at sarah.orr@wisc.edu.
CLC in the news
Student Testimonials
Supportive Learning Environment
"It's such a privilege to have the time and space to grow." - Susan
"The dynamic and supportive clinic environment empowers students." - Joshua
"I gained a sense of independence and confidence in my abilities." - Mary
"I regularly looked forward to clinic days because our work felt collaborative and meaningful." - Nate
Direct Client Interaction
"The CLC opened my eyes to a major human rights crisis [the American consumer debt crisis]...Any student who wants a deeper understanding of the challenges everyday people face should join the CLC." - Alex
"I gained invaluable experience balancing legal solutions and client goals informed by their circumstances, personal philosophies, and concepts of dignity." - Christian
"Consumer debt can have a ruinous impact on ordinary people's lives, and CLC students have an amazing opportunity to be their advocates." - Ned
"The experiences with clients 'transcend practice areas'." - Anna
"Balancing empathy and professionalism while discussing sensitive topics with a client is a fundamental lawyering skill, which can only effectively be built with real-world experience." - Nate
Information for the Public
Scope of the Consumer Law Clinic
The Consumer Law Clinic (CLC) offers legal information and services from trained law students who are supervised by a consumer protection lawyer. The CLC is located in Madison, Wisconsin in Dane County.
The CLC focuses on these areas of consumer protection:
- consumer debt defense
- earnings/wage garnishment
- unfair debt collection
Individuals seeking services can call 608-263-6283. If you would rather we reach out to you instead, you can fill out the form linked below.
From January 23 to April 10, 2024, the Consumer Law Clinic will conduct brief intake interviews on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 6:45 PM at 608-263-6283. If you call during these times and hear a busy signal, please leave a voicemail with your name, a description of your consumer protection problem, your phone number, and the best times to call you back.
Important: The CLC does not provide information, assistance, or referrals for bankruptcy.
Additional Legal Resources
If your legal problem does not fit into one of the three categories listed in the above section, the Consumer Law Clinic cannot handle your matter.
Please contact the State Bar of Wisconsin at (800) 362-9082, (608) 257-4666, or online at https://www.wisbar.org for referrals to other legal services providers.
Other options for legal resources:
- consult Wisconsin Free Legal Answers online at https://wi.freelegalanswers.org
- reach out to the Wisconsin State Law Library
- review the Directory of Self-Help Legal Resources in Wisconsin (PDF) from the Wisconsin Court System's Self-help law center