In the Civil Litigation Clinic, Memphis Law students represent indigent clients in a variety of cases – generally arising from landlord/tenant, consumer protection, and debtor/creditor disputes – pending in the General Sessions, Circuit or Chancery Courts of Shelby County.

Student attorneys engage in the examination of law and advocacy, actively navigating ethical, substantive, procedural, and evidentiary issues in the context of case work, classroom seminars, in-class case rounds and presentations, weekly case team meetings, and group and individual simulations. Through the vehicle of live-client representation, student attorneys also make continuous use of essential skills to address the ever-changing needs of clients.

Emphasis is placed on allowing Civil Litigation Clinic student attorneys to reflect upon their experiences in light of issues such as rapport-building and control in the lawyer-client relationship, professionalism, diversity, and the role of lawyers in social change work. Student attorneys also gain continuous exposure to collaborative lawyering, working together with their supervising attorney and class members to confront and address the many case, office, and time management issues arising in their representations.

Faculty:  Daniel M. Schaffzin, Assistant Professor of Law and Director of Clinical Programs and Externships