Criminal Defense Clinic

Students in the Criminal Defense Clinic represent adults and juveniles facing criminal charges such as misdemeanor offenses or major traffic offenses, and potentially low-level felonies. In addition, the clinic represents individuals in petitioning for removal from the sex offender registry as a result of juvenile sex offense adjudications.

The clinic provides a holistic approach to representation, addressing underlying causes of criminal behavior such as mental health or substance abuse issues. Students will learn how these issues, along with factors such as race, impact clients and the criminal justice system. The clinic's representation is client-centered, with a focus on assisting clients with both the immediate criminal charge and any underlying or collateral issues.

Students will engage in interviewing, fact investigation, legal analysis, oral and written advocacy, negotiation and legal research. Representation is typically at the trial level, from the initial appearance or bond hearing through disposition, but may include appeals or post-conviction appeals. Students will learn empathy and cultural awareness, as well as being sensitive to ethical issues that may arise. Students may also advocate for systemic change.

Certificate in Criminal Practice

Successfully completing the Criminal Defense Clinic also satisfies the capstone experience required for obtaining the Certificate in Criminal Practice.

Clinic Details and Requirements

• Professor: Paul Cain, clinical 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: Criminal Procedure: Police Investigation (601), Criminal Procedure: Adjudication (602), Evidence (655) and Trial Advocacy (725)

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 orientation to the clinical program, which is generally held on the Thursday or Friday of the week prior to the start of the semester. You will be notified of the orientation date after registration. Clinic orientation is not required for the summer semester.

Seminar Class and Clinical Component

• Seminar Class: One hour and fifty minutes each week. Date, time and room will be announced the same as other classes. See Professor Cain for summer semester.
• Clinical Component: In addition to the seminar class, students must spend 12 hours per week on case work. Students must be present at the Zeke Giorgi Legal Clinic in Rockford a minimum of one full day per week for intakes, court appearances, client matters and meeting with clinical faculty. See Professor Cain for summer semester.

Additional Clinic Hours

Students must be available to work on behalf of clients at additional times to meet the total clinic hour requirement each week. These hours may be completed from campus or elsewhere and do not necessarily need to be at the Zeke Giorgi Legal Clinic. You will be notified of your clinic hours shortly after registration.