Clinical Programs

Experiential learning has a high priority at Western New England College School of Law, as reflected in the fact that ABA data shows that we are ranked #26 in the nation in clinical opportunities available to our students. Click here to to view the ABA data. Professors Tina Cafaro and Lauren Carasik discuss the value and excitement of our clinical courses in our Spring 07 Perspectives article. Click here to view the article "Clinical Experience: Translating Theory into Practice".

Our clinical programs allow you to apply legal theory learned in the classroom to real-life lawyering, representing actual clients in real cases. These programs prepare you for the practice of law, as you gain practical knowledge and begin to develop professional skills and values under the supervision of experienced practitioners and a faculty member. In addition to providing valuable firsthand experience, clinics help develop essential lawyering skills such as legal writing, interviewing, and negotiation.

Participation in the Clinical Program also offers an exciting and creative way to establish connections with practicing attorneys and to build a resume of legal experience.

Click here to view our Clinical Programs Brochure. You may request a copy from Marie Fletcher by clicking here.

Clinical Program Opportunities

CLINICAL PROGRAMS COMPARISON CHART

CLINICS

Criminal Law Clinic
Students prosecute cases for the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office.

Consumer Protection Clinic
Students represent consumers with complaints against area businesses and/or landlords in the Springfield District Court and Housing Court.

Real Estate Practicum
Students work with practitioners in the real estate area.

Legal Services Clinic
Students make a measurable and meaningful difference in the lives of poor, elderly, and disadvantaged clients by working at Western Massachusetts Legal Services (WMLS), a private, nonprofit organization that serves as the principal provider of civil legal services to low income individuals in western Massachusetts.

Small Business Clinic
Students provide legal and business services to local small businesses that are usually owned by one or two individuals and have anywhere from zero to five employees. Law students work on transactional legal matters that are typical in the start-up phase of a business.

Clinic Application Process

EXTERNSHIPS

Public Interest Externships
Students work in a nonprofit or governmental agency or organization and participate in a Seminar designed to provide an opportunity for structured reflection on the role of the lawyer.

Judicial Externships
Students work in various judicial settings and participate in a Seminar designed to complement the individual work experience by providing structured reflection on many aspects of the roles of courts, judges and lawyers in society.

Private Sector Externships
Students work with an attorney in a local firm or business.

Student Secured Externships
Students may secure their own judicial, public interest or private sector externship placement with prior approval from the Associate Dean.

Please view the EXTERNSHIP HANDBOOK for an overview of the policies and procedures relevant to the Western New England College School of Law Externship Program.

Externship Enrollment Requirements

Externship Application and Registration Procedures

Questions? Contact Marie Fletcher at Tel.: 413-782-1469 or email: mfletcher@law.wnec.edu.

"The Legal Services Clinic was an experience I will never forget. I worked in the Family Law unit and the amount of time and the breadth of knowledge that my Supervisor and Professor provided were invaluable. I was given opportunities to create and sustain client relationships on my own. I felt prepared and confident in all my court appearances because I took with me the assurance that I had a solid background and foundation of knowledge. I would recommend everyone take part in the Clinical experience as it prepares law students for the world outside of the classroom."

Jesmin Basanti
Class of 2007