Dear Students,
Welcome to the Clinical and Trial Advocacy Programs Web pages!
In 1965, Boston University School of Law established the Voluntary Defenders Project, one of the first clinical programs in the United States. The program started with just a handful of students. Today – as we approach the 50th anniversary of our clinics – over 250 students will participate in our clinical programs this year.
Why are the clinical programs so popular? I have a few good guesses.
First, our programs have expanded to meet the student body's growing interests. Last year alone, we added seven new programs. In addition to learning traditional litigation skills, students can learn about international law practice, how the legislative process works, and cutting edge topics such as health care law, environmental law, and financial regulation.
Second, the clinics are an excellent way to give back to the community! BU Law’s other public interest opportunities, such as the pro bono program, the public interest project, and sponsored spring break pro bono trips, become more popular each year. Many of the same students who take advantage of these public interest opportunities are involved in the clinics too.
We are very proud of our programs, our faculty, and our students. I hope you enjoy reading about our offerings in these pages.
Sincerely,
Lois H. Knight, Director of Clinical and Trial Advocacy Programs