Requirements
The Legislative Counsel Clinic is a one-semester clinical program, offered in both the fall and spring. This Clinic is limited to 12 students for the fall semester and 12 students for the spring semester. Students receive 6 graded credits for the class and fieldwork.
The Classroom Component
Weekly classes examine the theoretical and practical aspects of the legislative process. Topics include: the nature and function of lawmaking bodies; how statutory law is created; the federal and state constitutional limits to lawmaking; the ethical responsibilities for those involved in the process; and how lawmakers anticipate and shape the way courts will interpret their work product. Readings include case studies, articles from multiple academic fields and case law. Students will be expected to produce papers of varying lengths on the topics covered. For specific course information, click here.
The Field Component
Students apply what they have learned in class by working on several client driven projects. Clients include legislators, state executive offices, not-for profit organizations, and advocacy groups. These projects require students to assume the role of a legislative counsel to the client and to produce work product that may be used to advance the client’s bill or project. Assignments may include:
- Researching public policy and related legal issues
- Drafting and revising legislation
- Formulating a strategy to guide bills through the legislative process
- Working to build a coalition to support or defeat a bill
- Advocating for or against a bill or issue with legislators
- Testifying at committee hearings
- Compiling and archiving legislative histories