The Indigent Defense Clinic offers third-year law students the opportunity to represent indigent criminal defendants in court. From the initial client interview to final case disposition, Clinic students gain practical experience in all stages of the litigation process.
The Ohio Justice & Policy Center created this Clinic in cooperation with the University of Cincinnati College of Law, the Salmon P. Chase School of Law at Northern Kentucky University, the Hamilton County Public Defender, and the local private defense bar. The Supreme Court of Ohio certifies each participating law student as a legal intern under Gov. Bar R. II. Each student is closely supervised by an experienced criminal defense attorney. Before taking cases, students undergo intensive training in the investigation and litigation of criminal cases. Ongoing training in substantive law, professionalism, and practical skills occurs through regular evening seminars. Student evaluation of their Clinic experience has been overwhelmingly positive. As one student observed, the Clinic “has been the best experience I've had in all of law school."
The Clinic requires a year-long commitment.