Clinics
From helping veterans obtain the benefits they earned to briefing and arguing constitutional claims in the United States Courts of Appeals, our students have the opportunity to practice their lawyering skills and professional judgment while working closely with supervising attorneys. These professors are leaders in their fields who provide close mentorship, guided reflection, and exploration of professional responsibility, all within the context of client representation.
Our clinical program — featuring eight clinics with approximately 180 seats available annually for 2L and 3L students — addresses the unmet legal needs of our community while strengthening skills and a sense of responsibility among our students. Their dedication to their clinic work is inspirational and forms a solid foundation for their future pro bono work and ethical practice of law.
For general inquiries regarding our Clinical Program please email or call 757-221-3780.
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Appellate & Supreme Court Clinic students engage in appellate practice in the Court of Appeals of Virginia.
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The Domestic Violence Clinic provides students the opportunity to interview victims and witnesses, provide advice and counsel to those victims, and represent them in court.
- Elder & Disability Law Clinic students provide free legal assistance for qualifying seniors and disabled individuals. The Clinic assists clients in creating plans to deal with current legal and financial issues and prepare for the future and in drafting the necessary documents to carry out those plans. Additionally, should the need arise, the Clinic provides advocacy for clients who are unable to speak for themselves.
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The Immigration Clinic students engage with immigration law matters including assisting noncitizens with legal concerns, participating in community outreach and education, as well as conducting policy research and advocacy.
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Innocence Project Clinic students participate in the legal investigation and research of inmate claims of actual innocence.
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The Lewis B. Puller, Jr. Veterans Benefits Clinic students assist veterans with claims and appeals for disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Puller Clinic has captured national attention with its interdisciplinary approach and innovative partnership with Starbucks, called Military Mondays.
- The Low Income Tax Clinic teaches students federal tax practice and procedure in order to assist in the representation of low-income Virginia taxpayers.
- The Special Education Advocacy Clinic focuses on providing families and other caregivers with the legal and practical advice needed to navigate special education challenges.
As a clinic student, you will have the opportunity to practice your lawyering skills and judgment while still supported by faculty who can reflect on and analyze your performance, and help you develop strategies for future improvement. Being in a clinic also allows you to consider issues of social justice and ethical-moral dilemmas that arise in the practice of law. For more information about our clinical opportunities, click here to contact [[laciccone, Clinical Program Administrative Manager]].
Clinic Grading and Credits
William & Mary's clinics are for 2 or 3 credits and some are offered only on a pass-fail basis while others are graded.
William & Mary Law School’s Clinical Program relies on private donations and is grateful to the individuals, corporations and foundations who have provided generous support.
Donate to William & Mary Law School's Clinical Program
You can support our Clinical Program's mission to address the unmet legal needs of our community.