If any compelling problems arise which prevent a student from following through on a confirmed placement, the student should contact the Program Director immediately. Students are expected to perform all assignments in a professionally responsible manner and in accordance with the relevant rules of professional responsibility. Rules 1.1, requiring competence, 1.3, requiring diligence and promptness, and 1.6, generally requiring confidentiality, are of particular importance. With respect to rules on competence and diligence, the Program notes especially thoroughness, preparation, and the avoidance of procrastination, undue delay, over-emphasis on personal convenience, and prejudicial failure to carry a matter through to conclusion. Students should bear in mind that the Rule on confidentiality applies to disclosure of information to law school colleagues, faculty or staff as much as to disclosure to anyone else.
Supervisors are often very busy with matters other than the student assignment.
While the ultimate responsibility of a case belongs to the supervisor, students can serve an important role by focusing their supervisor's attention on the matter, keeping track of deadlines and the case's progress. Students and supervisors should meet in advance of the placement assignment to clarify the nature of the work. Students and supervisors should identify the supervisory arrangements for the assignment. If students are working on a particular case that will require more than 35 hours of public service work, students are encouraged to complete the work in a professionally responsible manner. If the work will require substantially more time, students should consider working all 70 hours of public service work in one academic year.