The School of Law at Washington and Lee University has launched the new Criminal Justice Clinic, which will give students hands-on practice representing clients facing misdemeanor criminal charges such as assault, driving while intoxicated, shoplifting, and marijuana possession.
Clinic director J.D. King believes the clinic to be excellent real-world preparation for students planning to pursue a career in criminal defense. Law students will be responsible for the entirety of the case, from conducting client interviews to making arguments on bail to arguing sentencing motions.
Third-year law student Nicholas Neidzwski said his experience with the Clinic has been “humbling” and has made him realize that “zealous advocacy is not the only part to being a good lawyer.”
The Clinic will represent low-income clients from Lexington, Rockbridge County, and surrounding areas by operating on a completely pro-bono basis. King estimates the Clinic will handle between 40 and 60 cases each year.
