The First Amendment Clinic is part of the larger clinical education program at Washington University School of Law. The Clinic introduces second and third year law students to the fundamental skills of lawyering and best practices in client representation through the representation of clients in matters implicating the First Amendment rights of freedom of speech, press, and assembly or implicating rights of access to public records.
Clinic students represent musicians, protestors, artists, political activists, journalists, and others engaged in the exercise of First Amendment rights. Students litigate civil rights claims in federal court, defend clients in defamation suits, assist journalists in challenging denials of public records requests, advocate for the public’s right to access court records and proceedings, and educate individuals on their First Amendment rights.
Students have the opportunity to develop lawyering skills including:
- interviewing and counseling clients;
- conducting fact investigations and third party interviews;
- assessing client claims and defenses grounded in legal research on complex First Amendment issues and civil rights laws;
- drafting court filings, such as complaints, motions, or other briefs;
- drafting and responding to written discovery requests;
- taking depositions;
- planning case strategy;
- and engaging in oral advocacy in court.
The First Amendment Clinic is a one semester course for six credits and offered in both the fall and spring. Students apply in the spring for enrollment in the Clinic during the following academic year.