The David A. Clarke School of Law at the University of the District of Columbia is offering a Master of Laws (LL.M.) Degree Program With Concentration In Clinical Education, Social Justice, and Systems Change
U.D.C. David A. Clarke School of Law-well known for its leadership in clinical legal education and for its public interest mission-is pleased to announce fellowship opportunities in the following clinics:
Juvenile & Special Education Law Clinic/Took Crowell Institute for At-Risk Youth
Community Development Legal Clinic
Immigration and Human Rights Clinic
The two-year LL.M. program includes coursework in clinical pedagogy, public interest law, and systems change. LL.M. candidates will work under the supervision of the Law School 's experienced faculty to supervise and teach J.D. students enrolled in our clinics.
By the end of the second academic year each LL.M. candidate will produce a culminating project in the form of a scholarly work of publishable quality or project designed to impact systems change.
LL.M. candidates will receive a stipend of $49,667, plus health benefits.
The program will begin on August 1, 2012
Applications are due by May 4 at 5:00 p.m.
See further details below.
Juvenile and Special Education Law Clinic Took Crowell Institute for At-Risk Youth
Clinic faculty and law students represent children and parents of children in special education, school discipline, delinquency, and Medicaid matters. Its nationally-acclaimed approach supplements traditional delinquency defense with, where appropriate, advocacy to address the special education needs of children who are facing delinquency charges. The newly established Took Crowell Institute for At-Risk Youth has enhanced the Clinic's ability to do systemic reform work.
Candidates should be a member of the DC Bar, preferably with at least two years of experience representing children charged in delinquency matters. Experience handling school discipline, special education, and Medicaid matters is desirable.
Community Development Legal Clinic
The Community Development Law Clinic endeavors to improve the economic, living, and social conditions in the low – wealth community by providing legal assistance to non-profit organizations, housing cooperatives, social entrepreneurs, and small businesses. Students enrolled in the clinic learn transactional and business lawyering skills while helping clients establish and operate their businesses and programs. There are no set limits to the nature of our practice, since assisting clients with organizational, and resource development encompasses a broad range of substantive law knowledge and practice skills. In order to provide clients with comprehensive professional consulting and advocacy services, the clinic often collaborates with other community based organizations and professionals and co-counsels with law firms and other legal service providers.
Candidates should be a member of the DC Bar or be a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of any state, possession, territory, or Commonwealth of the United States , and qualify to waive into the D.C. Bar. Candidates should have two years relevant practice experience.
Immigration and Human Rights Clinic
The Immigration and Human Rights Clinic represents immigrants held in detention It also work on policy issues and systems change initiatives to improve the treatment of immigrants in the courts, in the community, and in the workplace. Depending on the scope of representation, students may represent clients at interviews with immigration officials and/or litigate in Immigration Court , the Board of Immigration Appeals, state court, United States District Court or the United States Court of Appeals.
Candidates must have a minimum of two years relevant practice experience and be a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of any state, possession, territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia.
Admissions Process
Please submit the following:
1. A response to the following questions in no more than 1,000 words (two pages):
In your area of concentration, what systemic problems have you identified? How do you envision using the law to transform the system?
1. Resume
2. Writing Sample
3. Law School Transcript (official)
4. Two letters of recommendation from persons with personal knowledge of your capabilities and commitment to social justice.
Please send materials, except transcript, electronically to kforman@udc.
Please enter LL.M. Application in the subject line.
Applications are due by May 4 at 5:00 p.m.
Questions? Please contact:
Karen Forman
Director, Public Interest and Clinical Programs
kforman@udc.edu