As criminal clinics evolve to include post-conviction work, death penalty representation, appeals, policy advocacy and re-entry work, the definition of “victory” is shifting. Because of the nature of these clinics, successful representation means something other than getting an acquittal or a conviction. In many defense-oriented clinics, victory is more nuanced – it’s about getting effective wraparound services for your client, it’s about getting a good plea deal that comports with the client’s goals, or it’s about getting a life sentence instead of a death sentence, to name a few. And from the prosecution perspective, not equating “victory” with a “win” is an ongoing challenge. This session explores two interrelated questions: (1) how to teach, assess and discuss “victory” in any given criminal case; and (2) how to set realistic goals in criminal defense clinics given the shifting definitions of “victory.” The purpose of the session is to reflect on how we discuss and define victory with our students and clients, as well as to identify concrete exercises and questions to use with students to discuss these issues.