I chose this project because it allows me to get out and help people. It's a totally different type of learning experience. The Civil Clinic is divided into three parts, Scherr says. The first part places students in legal externships and allows them to work in government offices, work with a judge or work in private, non-profit legal offices for 10 to 20 hours a week under the supervision of professional attorneys and judges. They also include cities with environmental problems and parties in lawsuits before the suit goes to a trial court.
Students learn both by working with clients and by observing expert attorneys do the same.
This is the program in which Walker works. They also work on dispute-resolution projects. The third and newest part of the Civil Clinic is the Family Violence Clinic, which began this year. The project allows students to work as advisers to victims of domestic abuse, both adults and children, Scherr says. Students help the victims by interviewing clients, preparing paperwork and accompanying clients to court.