Students in the Criminal Defense and Racial Justice Clinic represent indigent clients facing criminal misdemeanor charges in the District of Columbia Superior Court. Under the direct supervision of Professor Quo Judkins, students manage all aspects of client representation, including case preparation for all stages of the proceeding. This preparation encompasses client and witness interviews, interactions with the Office of the United States Attorney, and the Metropolitan Police Department, legal research, and the drafting and filing of legal pleadings. Students also participate in court appearances during pretrial hearings, trials, sentencing, and parole revocation hearings. Students discuss their cases in case rounds and improve their litigation skills through in-class exercises.

The classroom experience includes review of evidence, constitutional law, and criminal procedure, as well as an analysis of ethical, strategic, and client representation issues.

The Criminal Defense and Racial Justice Clinic continues to grow into other criminal practice areas and is committed to combating racial injustice within the criminal justice system.