Examine the legal issues that arise in the various stages of criminal adjudication—as they’re happening—as you work alongside assistant district attorneys or public defenders on the prosecution or defense of real criminal cases.
Real Life. Real Law. What You’ll Do.
While each clinic placement is unique, here are some of what you can expect to be involved in.
Work directly with clients
Prepare and question witnesses
Conduct research
Craft arguments
Observe or assist in court
Where You’ll Work
You’ll work in a district attorney’s office, at the committee for public counsel services, or with a public defender in Massachusetts. (Equivalent placements in neighboring states are allowed as well.) There, you’ll develop valuable real-world legal skills under the supervision of an assistant district attorney or public defender and discover what it’s like to be a criminal lawyer.
Seminar & Clinic Details
The Seminar
You’ll meet in a series of seminars with the course instructor and/or the clinical director to explore the relationship between the principles covered in the class and your fieldwork. You’ll also submit weekly journals, describing and reflecting on your field experiences.
Fieldwork
Since you must be available for an entire day to handle cases, you must keep at least one full day, preferably two, clear for fieldwork.
Requirements
This clinic is limited to students in their last year of law school by court rule. Some placements and SJC Rule 3:03 certification require successful completion of a background check. This course satisfies the experiential education requirement.
Stories of Success
“Choosing a law school with a part-time program enabled me to pursue my dream of becoming an attorney and provided the flexibility to build my Résumé through full-time internships, clinics, and employment.”
“I was able to experience what life is really like as counsel for an international corporation.”
“Our graduates stay, grow their careers, and help build our communities. We’re woven into the fabric of New England.”
“There are hundreds of law schools to choose from, but very few of them leave the impression New England Law does on its students.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I take this clinic?
This clinic is limited to students in their last year of law school by court rule.
What does this clinic entail?
You must keep at least one full day—preferably two—clear for fieldwork, submit a weekly journal reflecting on your experiences, and share them in a seminar with the course instructor and/or the clinical director.
Does this course satisfy the experiential education requirement?
Yes, it satisfies New England Law’s experiential education requirement.
Are there other requirements for this clinic I should know about?
Business: Some placements and SJC Rule 3:03 certification require completing a background check.
Related Clinics, Concentrations, and Experiences
Contact Us
New England Law Admissions staff is here to help you through the application process. If you have any questions, please complete the form below or contact the Office of Admissions at admit@nesl.edu or call 617-422-7210.