Student Learning

The Seminar

Integrated with fieldwork, the seminar: 

• Addresses current developments in immigration law and policy.
• Encourages skill development.
• Addresses the theoretical and substantive bases of the clinic’s work. 
• Analyzes ethical issues that arise in clients’ cases and advocacy work.
• Provides opportunities for student attorneys to reflect on their work and development as lawyers. 

Students engage in learning through case rounds, role playing, simulations, readings, and discussions. 

Student attorneys develop skills including:

• Interviewing, research and information gathering
• International and domestic fact investigations
• Drafting pleadings, motions, affidavits, and legal briefs
• Developing case strategies
• Oral arguments, including opening and closing statements
• Leading negotiations
• Collaborating with medical experts, mental health experts, and country conditions experts
• Legal research and writing
• Policy and legislative advocacy
• Project planning and management

Fieldwork

Each clinic student will rise to the task of being a student attorney. Student attorneys have ownership and autonomy over their casework; they are not interns or assistants who receive assignments. Student attorneys develop and implement all phases of client representation and advocacy, from initial client interviews through an adjudication before the asylum office or in immigration court, depending on the procedural posture of a client’s case. In addition to having weekly supervision meetings with Professor Elora Mukherjee, student attorneys are expected to meet with their clients and clinic teams on at least a weekly basis. All student attorneys will work in case teams and must demonstrate a positive team attitude and willingness to collaborate on casework.