As one of the first law schools to initiate a clinical program, UW Law School is committed to practical experience as a part of legal education. The Frank J. Remington Center and the Economic Justice Institute were among the school's first clinical programs. Over the years, UW Law has strengthened and increased the number of clinical opportunities it provides.
Hands-on lawyering experiences with real people
Clinics provide students with hands-on lawyering experiences with real people—clients, victims, witnesses, family members, lawyers, and judges—enhancing student understanding of the roles and responsibilities of practicing attorneys.
Under the supervision of clinical professors or supervising attorneys, students interview clients, perform factual investigations, conduct legal research, prepare client letters, draft legal documents, and write briefs.
Clinics
Center for Patient Partnerships
The Center for Patient Partnerships is a national resource for strengthening the patient perspective in health care. As part of the Health Justice Clinic, students from the Law School and across campus come to this interdisciplinary health advocacy center to learn critical legal and health advocacy skills while helping patients navigate the complex health care system. Law Students gain experience with insurance appeals, public benefit enrollment, and medical decision making.
Additional opportunities are available in patient experience research and organizational and legislative policy advocacy through student-led “case to cause” projects. Students have the option to pursue a certificate in Health Advocacy.
| Area of Law | Health, Disability, Employment |
|---|---|
| Program Start | Summer, Fall, Spring |
| Length of Program and Credits | 1-2 Semesters (2 Recommended): 3-6 Credits in First Semester |
| Classes Eligible | 2L, 3L |
| Director | Sarah Davis |
| Director Contact | sarah.davis@wisc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enroll in clinical programs, and when?
Clinical programs are available to students in their second and third years of law school.
The clinics vary in their timing and duration, which include:
- One-semester commitment
- Required fall-spring commitment
- Stand-alone summer programs
Finally, clinics may require a prerequisite course before students can enroll and all require that students take a classroom component, in addition to their client work.
How do students enroll in clinical programs?
Clinics provide information on how to apply at information sessions that occur on several occasions in the fall semester. The contact person(s) listed on the clinic web pages will provide information on how to apply.
Most clinics are "consent of instructor" courses, meaning they do not have open enrollment, but instead require students to apply and be accepted into the clinic.
Where do students work if they are enrolled in clinical programs?
The working location for students will depend on the program.
All of the Law School's clinics are housed in the Law School. While these clinic students do the bulk of their work in the clinic offices, they may travel to meet clients in Madison (e.g. the Neighborhood Law Clinic maintains offices on the south side of Madison, where students staff office hours) or outside of Madison (e.g. LAIP clients are incarcerated around Wisconsin).
Are clinic students able to appear in court?
As of July 1, 2021, new Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules now allow students who have completed the first-year curriculum for a full-time student to appear on behalf of their client in court or at hearings if accompanied by a clinical professor or supervising attorney as set forth in SCR chapter 50.
The new rules give law students in Wisconsin earlier opportunities for first hand legal experience. Read the Wisconsin Bar's announcement about the new changes.
For more information about student certification, view the Wisconsin SCR Rule 50 FAQ.
How many credits do students receive for their clinical work?
For the clinical component of their experience, Law School Rule 3.14(5) requires a student to perform a minimum of 45 hours of work per semester per credit. Assuming a 15-week semester, that comes out to a minimum of 4 hours per credit per week.
Thus, the number of credits will vary, depending on how many hours of work a given clinical program requires for enrollment.
Is clinical work graded?
The clinical work is generally graded as Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Do clinical course credits apply toward Law School graduation requirements?
Yes, all credits earned in clinics apply toward the 90 credits required for graduation.
In addition, a maximum of five clinical credits may be applied toward the 60-credit diploma privilege requirement.
Can students create their own Clinical Program?
Clinical courses are governed by Law School Rule 3.14. Students are not free to "construct their own" clinical program.
Application Process & Timelines
For information about the application process and timelines for clinics consult the Canvas course titled "LAW – Experiential Learning Fair." All 1L and 2L students received an invitation to that course.
For experiential learning opportunities outside the Law School, visit our Externships page.
