Columbus School of Law

 Applying to Columbus Community Legal Services

About CCLS | Advocacy for the Elderly| Consumer Protection Project | Families and the Law Clinic | General Practice Clinic | Frequently Asked Questions | How to Apply

Pre-registration

Students are selected by CCLS through a pre-registration procedure that seeks to ensure all interested students an opportunity to participate in a clinic at some point in their law school career. Prospective candidates should download and complete the pre-registration form and return it to CCLS' offices on the first floor by the pre-registration deadline. Candidates will be selected randomly with preference given to students who have unsuccessfully applied to CCLS in previous semesters. All candidates will be notified of their selection status prior to the commencement of the normal registration period.

Prerequisites

All upper division students are eligible to enroll and receive credit in CCLS. However, only students who have completed courses in Criminal Procedure, Evidence, and Civil Procedure may be certified to argue before a judge pursuant to Rule 48 of the D.C. Rules of Superior Court. Students who are not eligible for certification may nontheless participate in all other practical components of the course, including interviews and counseling sessions with actual clients, negotiations with opposing parties, and the drafting of briefs and pleadings.

Credits and Time Commitment

Students in the Families and the Law Clinic and the General Practice Clinic will be enrolled for six credit hours and should expect to commit twenty hours per week to CCLS related duties. The twenty hour estimate includes three hours per week of classtime. Evening students enrolled in Advocacy for the Elderly may choose to enroll from four to six credits and may have varying time commitments depending upon the number of credits selected.

Writing Requirement

Participation in a clinic at CCLS can satisfy the upper division writing portfolio requirement. Students interested in pursuing this option should speak with their supervisor as early as possible to begin creating an appropriate body of written work.

Additional Semesters

After completing one semester at CCLS, students may return for an additional three credit semester with the supervising attorney's permission. Students who return will continue the casework they began but will not be required to participate in the classroom sessions.

Application Materials

• Pre-Registration Form
   
• Student Certification Form