Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective Clinic Students

Q. How is the clinic experience unique?
A. Clinics offer students the opportunity to practice law while being mentored by a faculty member. Under the direct supervision of faculty, students serve as lead counsel, not clerks, in real cases. Students interview and counsel clients, conduct research, prepare all pleadings and other documents, appear in court, and manage all other aspects of their clients’ cases. While receiving academic credit, students provide free legal representation to those who could not otherwise afford it.
Q. When can I take a clinic class?
A. A. Each clinic has different eligibility requirements. With careful planning, students can be eligible for most clinics by the second semester of their 2L year. Some clinics require Rule XV eligibility or completion of other prerequisites. All clinics give first preference to graduating 3Ls who have not yet taken a clinic. If you are interested in taking a clinic, we encourage you to apply as soon as you are eligible.
Q. What is Rule XV and how do I know if I am eligible?
A. Rule XV of the Arkansas Rules Governing Admission to the Bar provides students with the opportunity to become limitedly licensed to practice law in the State of Arkansas. Students must be supervised by a fully licensed attorney and may not receive compensation other than class credit for the representation.
For students in the Community and Rural Economic Development Clinic only, Evidence and Criminal Procedure are not required to be eligible for Rule XV certification.
To be eligible for Rule XV certification, you must have completed 48 hours of course credit, including:
  • Professional Responsibility
  • Criminal Procedure (I or II)
  • Civil Procedure
  • Evidence
Q. How do I get into a clinic?
A. Interested students must apply to enroll in a clinic. Applications are generally available about a month before course enrollment begins (visit the Legal Clinic for details). Students must complete the Legal Clinic application and their order of preference for the clinics in which they are interested. The faculty determine which students best meet the needs of each clinic. Usually, priority is given to graduating 3Ls who have not yet taken a clinic.
What is the workload like for a clinic?
Like the practice of law, clinics can be both demanding and rewarding. Students interested in enrolling in a clinic should not be intimidated by the workload. Just like other courses, students should plan to dedicate an average of 3-4 hours each week for each credit hour of the clinic.