In this fashion, the students truly grow to learn their own strengths and weaknesses as litigators and counselors. It is preferable that the client be included in such sessions only after a viable theory of defense has been established, investigation has been undertaken, and both the student and the supervisor feel confident they can make a clear presentation of the options available to the client without producing undue anxiety for the client. Such pleadings at Legal Defense Program generally consist of discovery motions, suppression motions, motions to modify bail, motions to modify sentence, and motions to dismiss complaints, as well as accompanying affidavits. Students often need to revise original pleadings several times before filing them with the court. The Legal Defense Program labors to instill confidence in our students that they can confront a blank sheet of paper and end up with a pleading that will be worthy of consideration by a judge.
Supervisors review substantive presentations with students before court appearances.
They strive to discuss the student's ideas and to suggest changes when warranted. At the same time, each student's particular fortes are encouraged, and supervisors endeavor to avoid challenging the student's self-esteem when suggesting alterations of the student's written and oral expression. On extremely rare occasion, a student lawyer may come close to committing a gaffe or serious omission. Such conduct requires the direct intervention of the supervisor into the course of the hearing. It is a primary part of our mission to prevent the students from ever engaging in such acts or omissions.