Clinics 

Western New England University School of Law is committed to providing students with the opportunity to be immersed in a dynamic, hands-on learning environment which allows them to understand the practice of law more fully. 

Clinics require dedication, commitment, and an openness to experiential learning. In addition to their clinic placement students attend weekly seminars and training sessions where they read materials and engage in discussions and simulation exercises that further develop their professional skills and broaden their perspectives. The interaction of clinic and classroom provides valuable educational opportunities for students to gain practice employing fundamental values of the legal profession: competence, problem solving, diligence, client loyalty, confidentiality, communication, professional independence, and a commitment to social justice.

The Western New England University School of Law offers students several options to gain firsthand experience working with clients, writing legal documents, conducting research, and litigating cases.

Students have the option of participating in one of the following Clinics:

Criminal Law Clinic
Students prosecute cases for the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office.

Housing Clinic
Students represent consumers with complaints against landlords in Springfield Housing Court.

International Human Rights Clinic
Students will work collaboratively with domestic and international nongovernmental organizations, grass-roots organizations, solidarity networks, attorneys, stakeholders, and other institutions engaging in human rights work, to advance political, economic, social and cultural human rights across borders.

Real Estate Practicum
Students work with practitioners in the real estate area.

Legal Services Clinic
Students make a measurable and meaningful difference in the lives of poor, elderly, and disadvantaged clients by working at Western Massachusetts Legal Services (WMLS), a private, nonprofit organization that serves as the principal provider of civil legal services to low income individuals in western Massachusetts.

Small Business Clinic
Students provide legal and business services to local small businesses that are usually owned by one or two individuals and have anywhere from zero to five employees.  Law students work on transactional legal matters that are typical in the start-up phase of a business.

Clinic Comparison Chart

 

Clinic Application Process

Questions? Contact Marie Fletcher at Tel.: 413-782-1469 or email: mfletcher@law.wne.edu.

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"My experience in the Small Business Clinic helped prepare me for my career by giving me practical experience in a professional setting, along with real-world pressures and deadlines."

Rishi Desai
Class of 2009