Ensuring Access to Clinical Education for Working Students: Why This Is an Equity Imperative and How to Make It Happen

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Session Type: Concurrent Sessions

Session Capacity: N/A

Location: N/A

Room: Harborside Ballroom E

Floor: Fourth Floor

Part-time programs were created to increase access to legal education, and the evidence shows that they create pathways for students who might not otherwise attend law school: a higher percentage of students of color and first-generation students enroll in part-time law school programs than in full-time law study. However, clinical programs are often structured in ways that deny access to part-time students. Most clinics require in-person presence during daytime hours, which often means that students who have full-time jobs during law school must either forego clinics or make radical changes in work schedules to participate, an option that is not possible for many. This session will (1) make the case for enhanced clinic access for this student population (explaining the benefits to the students, to clients, to the clinical program, and to the profession as a whole) and (2) provide participants several examples of clinics that provide opportunities for this student population. By the end of the session, participants will understand the importance of creating inclusive clinics, be exposed to potential clinic designs for such clinics, and have experience problem-solving some issues that arise in clinic design and operation.