Courses

College of Law

Clinic: Civil Legal Services

Course Number: 6931
Professor: Danielle Cover
Credit Hours & Type of Credit: 3
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Required: No
Prerequisites: Successful completion of two-years of law school (must include Professional Responsibility).
Recommended Courses: Family Law, Domestic Violence, Children and the Law, Civil Procedure, Evidence, and Professional Responsibility, and Trial Practice

Course Overview: The Civil Legal Services Clinic (CLSC, formerly the Legal Services Program) is the College of Law’s oldest clinic, having provided legal assistance to Wyoming citizens for over 20 years. Student interns enrolled in the CLSC represent low-income and marginalized individuals across the state who could not otherwise afford legal representation. The CLSC’s mission is to provide legal services in a broad range of general civil legal matters.  As such, students' caseloads are diverse and touch on many areas of civil practice, including housing, consumer rights, education, veterans’ service-connected disability benefits, and other public benefits laws. Under the supervision of the Clinic Director, student interns interview and counsel clients, investigate facts, strategize case options, negotiate with opponents, draft pleadings, and argue in court.  In addition, to provide student interns with hands-on exposure to the business realities of legal practice, they maintain case files while also managing time-keeping and other organizational activities. Depending on the need, students may also work on special projects including conducting research and providing support to advocates who are testifying on legislative matters.  Finally, student interns work closely with the Wyoming legal community, developing important relationships that will support the students through their professional lives.

Course Format: Each student must be in the office at least five hours per week to answer the telephone and meet with walk-in clients. Additional office hours are necessary to complete casework, which includes meeting with clients, negotiating with lawyers, and preparing for and making necessary court appearances. Most court appearances are in state trial courts, either circuit or district courts. Common appearances involve representing persons seeking protection orders, contested child custody disputes, juvenile cases, and administrative hearings before a federal Administrative Law Judge (usually involving appeals from the denial of government benefits).
Written Assignments: Drafting all necessary pleadings.
Type of Exam: N/A
Basis for Grading Student Performance: Summer 2015 is S/U grade. Beginning Fall 2015 Letter Grade. Students must work at least 150 hours in the clinic, though most work many more, and finish all tasks to the satisfaction of the Faculty Supervisor.
Other Comments: Course is open to third year students only. 

Requires third year standing. Offered for a letter grade. Civil Legal Services Clinic enrollment is limited to 6 students determined on a first-come, first-served basis by registration. If the registration is oversubscribed additional students will be placed on a waitlist. Completion of or co-registration with Interviewing, Counseling, and Negotiation preferred.