Your introduction to civil litigation, in this clinic and classroom experience, you’ll represent real clients and handle all facets of their cases, giving you the opportunity to develop real-world skills as you navigate the institutional and ethical problems that may arise as you practice.
Real Life. Real Law. What You’ll Do.
While each fellowship placement is unique, here’s some of the work you can expect to be involved in.
Interview clients
Plan cases
Discovery
Counsel clients
Negotiate
Craft arguments
Present evidence
Where You’ll Work
Placements include the New England Law Clinical Law office, as well as off-site placements such as Greater Boston Legal Services. You’ll handle civil cases under Rule 3:03 of the Supreme Judicial Court, experiencing firsthand what it’s like to be a litigator.
Course Details
The course’s objective is to give you the opportunity to develop a conceptual framework within which you can understand and evaluate your practice experience during the course—and in the future.
The Seminar
You’ll attend a weekly, two-hour seminar (two credits) on civil litigation. Written work includes short papers and an examination.
Fieldwork
You’ll work five hours (one credit), 10 hours (two credits), or 15 hours (three credits) each week in your placement, where you will be responsible for handling cases until the end of the examination period. During this time, you’ll also meet weekly with your assigned supervisor, who will discuss your case strategy and progress. Please note: The one-credit option is only available to part-time evening and part-time day program students.
Requisites
Evidence or Trial Practice are prerequisites/corequisites for this course, which satisfy New England Law’s 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?
You’re eligible to take this seminar and clinic or another Clinic & Externships in your second year. You may take up to four clinics before you graduate.
• What does this clinic entail?
You will complete either five hours (one credit), 10 hours (two credits), or 15 hours (three credits) of fieldwork per week and attend a weekly two-hour seminar (two credits) for a three-, four-, or five-credit package. Please note: The three-credit package is only available to part-time evening and part-time day program students.
• Will I be handling my own cases?
Yes. You will be responsible for handling civil cases until the end of the examination period. Your assigned supervisor will meet with you weekly to help discuss your case strategy and progress to help ensure you stay on track.
• Does this course satisfy the experiential education requirement?
Yes, it satisfies New England Law’s experiential education requirement.
Related Clinics, Concentrations and Experiences
Public Interest Law Concentration
Summer Fellowship Program
Advocacy & Skills Teams
Pro Bono
Family Law Clinic
Center for Law and Social Responsibility
Federal Courts Clinic
Administrative Law Clinic
Litigation Concentration
Mediation and Dispute Resolution Clinic
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 or contact the Office of Admissions at admit@nesl.edu or call 617-422-7210.