SEARCH | ADVANCED | A-Z

After conducting a week-long federal jury trial that ended on graduation day, students won a verdict of nearly $1 million in an age discrimination case.

Civil Practice Clinic

Founded: 1978


Students celebrate with their client after a big victory in court	Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams spoke to students about civil forfeiture cases under his new administration

The Civil Practice Clinic is Penn Law’s primary litigation clinic where students are certified by state and federal courts to provide legal representation to indigent clients in civil matters. Students enrolled in the course become part of a teaching law firm, the Penn Legal Assistance Office, where they interview and counsel clients, develop case strategies, draft pleadings, engage in discovery, negotiate with opposing parties and provide representation in court proceedings and administrative hearings. Under close faculty supervision, students are assigned their own individual cases involving a broad range of legal problems.

RECENT CASES
Child custody and support Civil forfeiture Civil rights and employment discrimination Consumer law Education Employment and wage Health law	Housing Identity theft Landlord/tenant Prisoner's rights Small Claims Social Security disability

Students work independently or may be teamed with other students on larger and more complex cases.

In the classroom component of the course, students participate in twice weekly in seminars that utilize readings, film, exercises, and videotaped simulations to explore lawyering theory and that are designed to improve their overall advocacy skills. In addition, students discuss case-driven issues of litigation strategy, case development and professional responsibility.

Students gain experience conducting voir dire during
a mock jury selection class in the school's courtroom.

Students are assigned to individual faculty supervisors who possess substantial litigation experience, and who provide on a weekly basis one on one case supervision and constructive feedback regarding student progress. In this way, students develop competence in essential lawyering skills while becoming ethical, reflective practitioners. Skills and insights gained in this lawyering course serve students well throughout their professional careers, whether or not they become litigators. At the same time, students perform a vital public service to the community by providing access to justice for individuals who need, but cannot afford, legal representation.

HIGHLIGHTS

Students successfully litigated a social security disability appeal in federal court, and then obtained benefits for the client at a remand hearing.
On the eve of picking a federal jury in an Americans with Disabilities Act case, a team of students negotiated a significant settlement that provided a vital, financial safety-net for a disabled client.
Students presented compelling evidence and delivered impressive courtroom advocacy in a two day trial in Philadelphia's Court of Common Pleas with a ruling in their client's favor. Representing a low-income tenant family battling to retain their federally-subsidized housing residence from an unwarranted eviction, the client was relieved and overjoyed that she was able to remain in her house with her children.


Louis Rulli Clinic Director and Practice Professor of Law	Yolanda Vazquez Clinical Supervisor and Lecturer

CIVIL PRACTICE CLINIC
University of Pennsylvania Law School
Gittis Center for Clinical Legal Studies
3400 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Tel: 215.898.8427
Fax: 215.573.6783

Find us on: