Legal Clinics

The School of Law provides a broad array of opportunities for students to practice law while still in school through its clinical programs. Students have the opportunity to represent clients in court, prosecute criminal cases and serve as clerks for judges. They work in corporate offices and handle real estate matters. They can work for Habitat for Humanity, represent children and adults in family court matters, assist the homeless and elderly and participate in a variety of other legal experiences. Students learn how the law is applied in various contexts, gaining practical experience while they provide valuable legal service to low-income families, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Students earn academic credit in all of the clinical offerings at the School of Law.

The Clinics also publish a newsletter each semester describing the experiences of students enrolled in clinical programs.

Students can work in the In-House Clinic which is located at the School of Law, with opportunities in transactional practice and litigation. The Externship program provides students the opportunity to work with attorneys in offices off campus. The Judicial Process Clinic provides placements with various courts where students serve as law clerks. The Criminal Public Defender Clinic gives students experience in representing defendants in the criminal courts of St. Louis. And the Corporate Counsel Externship Program places students in the general counsels’ offices of major corporations.

Clinical opportunities are generally available to students after they complete all first year course requirements. Full-time faculty members with many years of experience in the practice of law supervise in-house clinical opportunities. Experienced practicing attorneys or judges supervise students in externships, with additional supervision from full-time faculty.

Contact Information
Students interested in information about the Legal Clinics can call (314) 977-2778.