Traditional lawyering takes place either within the bounds of existing law or by seeking its reinterpretation. But when the law isn’t just, fair, or equitable, legislative and movement lawyering can change black letter statutes. Through representing community-based organizations seeking to transform DC, the Legislation Clinic partners with movements for social justice and develops the student-attorney’s skills to change the law itself.

Clinic students should expect to gain a sophisticated understanding of the principles and methodology of legislative and movement lawyering. Student-attorneys will develop the skills at the heart of this work, including legal and policy research and analysis, problem-solving, legislative drafting, written and oral communication, political strategy, ethics, organizing, and facilitated decision-making. Student-attorneys will study historical and contemporary social justice campaigns in the District and elsewhere. Student-attorneys will also learn the functions, processes, and procedures of DC’s legislative branch and how to use this knowledge to change the law.

The Legislation Clinic accepts clients for both the Fall and Spring semesters. To be considered, the client must:

1. Propose a new or existing campaign that will materially improve the lives of DC residents;
2. Be seeking a change in DC law to accomplish that goal; and
3. Work with organizers or directly impacted people to accomplish that goal.

If you are interested in partnering with the Legislation Clinic’s student-attorneys, please contact the Legislation Clinic Director at emily.cassometus@udc.edu.