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U N I V E R S I T Y O F P I T T S B U R G H |
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| Volume VII, Number 2 |
March, 2002 |
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U N I V E R S I T Y O F P I T T S B U R G H |
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| Volume VII, Number 2 |
March, 2002 |
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School of Law The School of Law conducts a Civil Practice Clinic, which addresses health law, elder law, and disability discrimination claims. The program has a twofold purpose: (1) to help students develop the lawyering and communication skills that they will need in their future law careers; and (2) to operate a pro bono clinic where students assist clients who would otherwise have no access to legal representation. "Service-learning in the legal field allows you to test out what you've learned in the classroom. It isn't until you try it on your own that you figure out if you've actually learned something. The clinic also allowed me to see if I would be able to handle the work of an attorney and to test out various fields before choosing one after graduation. This experience helps build confidence and skills, two things that aren't readily available with classroom learning alone." --- Heather Johnson, law student Three full-time clinical faculty teach in the Civil Practice Clinic. The program is limited to 30 students per semester, who are divided into three groups, each working with one of three referral sources. The program’s referral sources include UPMC Health System, the Area Agency on Aging, and “all sorts of social service agencies,” according to Martha Mannix, clinical associate professor of law at the University of Pittsburgh. The seven-credit Civil Practice Clinic elective requires “a big commitment of time and energy from students,” Mannix points out. However, she continues, “Across the board, students say the challenge of dealing with real people and real issues is incredibly rewarding. To be a problem solver is a great experience. It helps them get over the initial hurdle in terms of practicing law; for example, they often experience their first court appearance, first client interview, or first exchange with opposing counsel.” Jennifer Andrade, a Pitt law student, concurs with Mannix. “Supervised clinic work is empowering, encouraging, and gives the student an invaluable chance to feel what it’s like to practice law,” she said. “I enjoyed my clinic work—the methods and approaches I’ve learned in doing case work will help me no matter what kind of law I end up practicing.” Mannix reported that community groups serving the underrepresented greatly value the program. “We’ve been around for ten years, and we have a strong network of referral agencies,” she said. The School of Law also operates a low income taxpayer clinic and two practica with local legal service providers, Neighborhood Legal Services and Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Services. Photo: Law students Michael Fulks and Megan Demas address Judge Michael Colligan during a mock trial. | |||||||||||||
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A newsletter devoted to the support of teaching and learning at the University of Pittsburgh |
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Center for Instructional
Development & Distance Education |
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