The purpose of the Clinical Program is both to teach skills required for effective advocacy and to develop a methodology for the practice of law. Our goals are thus more ambitious than teaching students "how to" perform lawyering tasks. The cases are a teaching tool and not an end in themselves. Students should always be thinking in terms of these educational goals.
The fact that this educational experience is pursued through the representation of actual clients places participating students within the ethical constraints applicable to all attorneys. While the educational needs of students are paramount when designing the program and deciding which cases to accept, the needs of the client become primary once a case is accepted.
For most students, participation in the clinical program is the first opportunity to practice law. The habits of a lifetime will begin here. It is therefore important that our standards be the highest. Every case, no matter how small the issue or amount in controversy will be handled in the most professional manner.