The clinic is part of a program administered by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that allows third-year law students to serve as counsel of record, brief, and argue an appeal on behalf of a party that would otherwise proceed pro se. The clinic offers a unique opportunity to argue an actual case before the Ninth Circuit and work closely with two faculty members with substantial appellate experience.
Two 3L students are selected to work together, representing a client before the Ninth Circuit. Clinic students act in all respects as counsel of record; they are responsible for researching and drafting the opening brief (Fall Quarter), the reply to the Government’s brief (Winter Quarter) and preparing and presenting the oral argument to a panel of Ninth Circuit judges (Spring Quarter).
The clinic’s faculty members instruct, mentor, and supervise students throughout the appellate process. The clinic requires a substantial time commitment, including a one-week period of intensive instruction before Fall Quarter begins in September, as well as some responsibilities to read and review materials during the Summer break.
Walker McKusick, J.D. ‘24, and Sally Walker, J.D. ’24, reflect on their transformative journey through the Ninth Circuit Pro Bono Appellate Advocacy Clinic.
A UW Law classroom became a live courtroom on Nov. 15 when the U.S. Court of Appeals heard oral arguments on four cases.
In three minutes, Jeff Feldman, professor of practice and co-director of the Appellate Advocacy Clinic, explains what to expect in the deposition process, who will be present, how to prepare for a deposition and what happens afterward. He also suggests tips for someone being deposed.
UW Law’s new Appellate Advocacy Clinic allows 3Ls to serve as counsel of record, brief and argue on behalf of clients before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.