LAW-845 : *CD: Reentry Clinic

 The Reentry Clinic combines individual representation with policy work around the central theme of mass incarceration. This course investigates some of the drivers, including long sentences and collateral consequences of arrests and convictions. Under direct supervision, this course affords the opportunity to represent clients in record sealing matters in D.C. Superior Court and participate in policy advocacy as well. This semester students will focus on a new law that increases access to occupational and professional licensing for returning citizens in the district. Students will work on community outreach including designing a community step-by-step education guide or designing an educational video to inform the community regarding the new occupational licensing statute in DC. Under direct supervision, this course affords the opportunity to represent clients in record sealing matters in D.C. Superior Court and participate in policy advocacy as well. This semester students will focus on a new law that increases access to occupational and professional licensing for returning citizens in the district. Students will work on community outreach including designing a community step-by-step education guide or designing an educational video to inform the community regarding the new occupational licensing statute in DC. Students can expect to develop an extensive array of lawyering skills, including interviewing and counseling clients, developing case histories, maintaining case files, investigating cases, and developing effective oral and written advocacy. You will gain an expertise in how to read statutes, particularly the District’s record sealing regime and new occupational licensing law. The classroom component of the clinic will focus on skills development such as storytelling, problem-solving and developing case theories, but will also focus on broader systemic reentry challenges due to race and social inequality in the criminal justice system. Individual case rounds are designed to develop oral advocacy skills. Students will work collaboratively with local and national reentry groups to identify and promote effective reentry strategies.