Class has been awesome. I really appreciate the frameworks, exercises, and hearing how the experts strategize. I think how grateful I am to have experienced the clinic since it confirmed for me that my favorite role to play is that of an advocate, and I want to frame my career in that role.
Dominique Gilbert, J.D. 2022
This class has been worth every point that I bid on it. The cases I have worked on have
been intellectually fascinating and challenging. The small class size always leads to enlightening discussions—I feel like I learn so much from my classmates every week. And it is a humbling experience to take part in trying to study the law and see how it develops.
Austin Piatt, J.D. 2022
Students in the Supreme Court Clinic work under the direction of three faculty members, who have collectively argued nearly one hundred cases before the Supreme Court, and in conjunction with attorneys from Sidley Austin LLP. In their work, students undertake research projects, including drafting briefs seeking a writ of certiorari, merits briefs, and amicus briefs. Student case teams typically meet on a weekly basis, simulating the environment of a top-tier law firm.
Our cases cover a wide variety of legal issues. In the past year alone, the Clinic filed briefs covering reproductive rights, immigration, criminal procedure, sentencing, habeas, and the First Amendment. We work with organizations of all shapes and sizes, with the common goal of providing excellent appellate advocacy. We have participated in the merits briefing in more than forty Supreme Court cases.
Commitment
Supreme Court litigation is a unique creature, with aspects not seen in other areas of legal practice. Students should be prepared to dedicate significant time to researching the relevant questions in their cases, summarizing critical issues accurately, and promptly incorporating feedback from faculty and co-counsel.
The Clinic is a year-long commitment, and students are expected to continue working on pending cases if needed during their winter and spring breaks. There are no course prerequisites, although given the complexity of the issues we tackle, the Clinic is most suitable for third year students.
Travel
Schedules permitting, students will travel to Washington, D.C. in the spring semester, in order to observe oral argument at the Court, speak with leading appellate practitioners, and meet a sitting Justice. Travel costs will be substantially covered by the Clinic.