In-House Clinics
New American Legal Clinic
Students enrolled in the clinic, under clinical director supervision, take on all major aspects of representing a client before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), including interviewing clients, preparing forms, analyzing and arguing complex legal issues, and attending USCIS applicant interviews. The Clinic also has a classroom component in which students learn the basics of immigration, citizenship, and laws protecting immigrant victims of human trafficking and family violence.
BREN Clinic
Students enrolled in the BREN Clinic will take on all major aspects of representing a client’s special education interests under externship director supervision including conducting client interviews, analyzing complex legal issues and applicable evidence, and providing written and oral advocacy services at Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings, settlement and ADR conferences, and due process hearings. The Clinic also has a classroom component in which students will learn how to use the legal tools contained in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to advocate for individual remedies.
Externships
Legal work heightens a student’s understanding of class content, enhances practical skills and introduces the student to the “real world” of law practice. SJCL provides and encourages a variety of placement opportunities. Students are eligible for externship study upon completion of the first year of law school.
Established placement opportunities to obtain legal experience and clinical units are available with numerous governmental agencies and private law offices. Many of these are ongoing, but the number of students that a firm or agency can accommodate is limited. A student alternatively may create an individual clinical, where he or she works under the supervision of an attorney, with the approval of the Dean of Students. Information on clinical placements may be obtained from the Director of Student Services.
The placement process is like applying for a professional position. The student should submit a resume along with a personalized cover letter to the contact person. Typically a writing sample is also needed, so the student should have one ready. The student should register for the clinical units through the admission/registrar’s office after he or she has been selected for the position. For further information regarding the placements see the Director of Student Services, the Academic Dean, or the Dean of Students.
Disclaimer: San Joaquin College of Law does not affirm or represent that any particular posting or opportunity for an off-campus, non-SJCL internship, externship, job, or other placement, whether paid or unpaid, complies with The Fair Labor Standards Act and/or other applicable Federal and State Labor and Employment Laws.
Practical Training of Law Students Program, or “Certified” Law Students
Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 9.42, the State Bar of California’s Practical Training of Law Students (PTLS) program certifies law students to provide limited legal services under the supervision of an attorney. To be eligible to apply for certification a student must have completed one full year of law school (270 hours). The student must also be enrolled in and attending, or have successfully completed, Evidence and Civil Procedure courses. For complete rules see the California Bar website at www.calbar.ca.gov.
Academic Enrichment
Appellate Advocacy & Moot Court
Appellate Advocacy supplements Moot Court and is a separate, 2-unit required course that focuses on appellate-level legal writing. Appellate Advocacy/Moot Court is a two-semester requirement for all students.
The spring Moot Court course requires students to orally argue the topic assigned during their Appellate Advocacy course in the fall in an intramural competition. These arguments are judged by local judges, attorneys, faculty, and alumni.
SJCL participates in statewide and national Moot Court competitions and has distinguished itself among teams from top ABA institutions. Those who go on to these competitions receive additional coaching from the Moot Court professors and experts in the community.
Teaching and Research Assistantships
Students may be invited by faculty to act as teaching or research assistants. Teaching assistants may be asked to help the professor prepare for class, help evaluate student work or conduct supplemental class sessions, small sections, etc. as directed by the professor. Research assistants typically will pursue research on a particular topic or subject matter as directed by the professor and report, in writing, in a format requested by the professor. Students can earn elective units for teaching or research assistantships. Students who qualify for federal financial aid may alternatively receive hourly compensation for their work through federal work- study. Teaching or research assistant positions DO NOT qualify as clinical experience and may not be used to satisfy any required clinical units.
Study Abroad
SJCL does not sponsor a study abroad program, but students can request approval for credit in a program offered through another institution. Contact the Dean of Students several months in advance to submit a request for approval to the SJCL Faculty Committee. Students can receive elective credit on a pass/fail basis for approved study abroad programs. Students seeking financial aid to cover tuition costs must contact the Director of Financial Aid at least two months in advance of the start of any study abroad program.