Civil Justice Clinic

The Civil Justice Clinic provides students with an opportunity to perform critical legal work for vulnerable residents of Winnebago County, Illinois. The clinic prioritizes the needs of low-income senior citizens and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Students draft estate planning documents and represent clients in civil matters involving orders of protection, domestic violence-related family law, small claims and probate issues.

Students in the clinic engage in client-centered lawyering, developing a variety of practical skills and gaining valuable legal experience. They will gain transactional experience and develop interviewing, client counseling, fact investigation, legal research and writing skills while developing substantive knowledge of elder law, domestic violence and family law.

In addition, students will have the opportunity to apply Illinois civil procedure and evidentiary rules through their representation of individual clients. Through these experiences, students will develop cultural sensitivity, awareness, empathy and professionalism.

Certificate in Civil Advocacy

Successfully completing the Civil Justice Clinic also satisfies the capstone experience required for obtaining the Certificate in Civil Advocacy.

Clinic Details and Requirements

• Professor: Wendy Vaughn, clinical associate professor
• Credits and Grading: four credits, pass/fail
• Max. Enrollment: eight students
• Prerequisites: Professional Responsibility (643) and Introduction to Lawyering Skills (720). Both may be taken concurrently with the clinic.
• Recommended Courses: Evidence (655), Family Law (610), Trusts and Estates (620)

Clinic Components and Hours

Registration

After registering on MyNIU, you must complete a Clinic Information Form for scheduling and an application for a 711 License.

711 Requirement

Students must be eligible for an Illinois Supreme Court Rule 711 License, which requires the completion of 45 credits and the Dean’s approval.

Orientation Requirement

Students must attend an all-day orientation to the clinical program on the Thursday prior to the Fall semester and the Friday prior to the Spring semester. Clinic orientation is not required for the Summer semester.

Seminar Class Component

• Fall and Spring: The seminar meets once each week for one hour and fifty minutes on Monday afternoons.
• Summer: The seminar meets on Wednesday afternoons for the equivalent of two class periods.

Clinical Component

Students are required to be at the Zeke Giorgi Legal Clinic in Rockford for a minimum number of hours each week for intakes, court appearances, client matters and supervision meetings.

• Fall and Spring: Students work a minimum of 12 hours per week on client-related matters, with at least 8 hours per week at the clinic.
• Summer: Students work a minimum of 24 hours per week on client-related matters, with at least 16 hours per week at the clinic.

Additional Clinic Hours

You must be available to work on behalf of clients at additional times to meet the total clinic hour requirement and to meet the needs of the clients. These hours can be completed from campus or elsewhere.