Information for Students

The Civil Practice Clinic is a full-year* graded course (6 credits each semester – 2 for classroom component and 4 for casework).

Students assume primary responsibility under faculty supervision of all phases of direct client representation in assigned cases in a variety of civil matters including, but not limited to, family law, consumer law, social security disability claims, wills and advance planning, employment law, and general civil matters.

Participating students handle all phases of client representation, which may include, but are not limited to:

• Interviewing and counseling clients
• Investigating Facts
• Case analysis and planning
• Drafting pleadings and legal documents
• Negotiation and mediation
• Problem solving
• Representing clients in court

Recommended Course Prerequisites

• Professional Responsibility

Special Conditions

• 3L Status
• Students must satisfy eligibility requirements for issuance of a Temporary Trial Card for Qualified Law Students by the State Bar of Texas
• Students must be available for clinic orientation on the day before classes begin
• Students may not be on academic probation
• Students may not withdraw from the course once enrolled except under exceptional circumstances with approval of the supervising faculty member
• Students may not be concurrently enrolled in another clinic or externship
• Outside legal employment is prohibited while enrolled in the clinic
• Students are not permitted to enroll in the Spring semester if they intend to sit for the February bar exam

Class Requirements

Students must satisfy a 200-hour minimum time commitment per semester (an average of approximately 15 hours per week).

*Although this clinic is offered as a two-semester (full year) course, in exceptional circumstances, a student may enroll for the fall semester only if they are a December graduate or taking the February bar exam upon approval of the supervising faculty member.

Student Selection Process

A Mandatory Information Session for students interested in participating in the Clinical Programs is held in late January or early February of each year. Information is provided by the Clinic Directors regarding each individual clinic, as well as the process for student selection. Students interested in applying to one or more clinics are instructed to complete the required documents and complete an application on or before the deadline announced during the information session. Documents to be attached include the clinic application (indicating which clinics you are applying to), resume, unofficial law school transcript, and a two-page narrative (for each individual clinic you are applying to) indicating why you are interested in a particular clinic. All clinics are by selection and invitation only. Applications are reviewed by the Clinic Directors. Some Clinic Directors may conduct interviews (some may not depending on the demand) and offers are made to students by the Clinic Directors with a deadline for you to accept the offer. During open registration, the Registrar's office enrolls students for the clinic. You will not be able to enroll yourself.