Clinical Law Program – Overview
Our Clients
Victims of family violence and their children are among the most vulnerable of our citizens. Women in these circumstances are subject to serious danger and injury. Children growing up in an atmosphere of abuse are frequently economically disadvantaged, disrupted in their education and damaged psychologically. The Clinical Law Program represents clients in family matters where there are allegations of abuse.
Citizens with physical and psychological disabilities live at the very edge of our society. Without some sort of economic support, they frequently end up on the streets and without adequate health care. The Clinical Law Program represents applicants for Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits.
Low income tax payers have difficulty getting legal representation in their controversies with the Internal Revenue Service. The Low Income Taxpayer Clinic is a part of the Clinical Law Program and serves these clients. See information about our tax law services.
Clients trying to start over financially frequently need help with debt issues. The Clinical Law Program provides bankruptcy and consumer representation.
An innocent person caught in the criminal justice system frequently has no legal help. The Innocence Project evaluates cases to determine whether physical evidence exists which can exonerate the innocent.
Clinic clients have low incomes. Most are referred by the local Legal Aid society, although we do take referrals from state and federal judges, the tax court, attorneys and social service agencies.
Our Services
The Clinical Law Program provides the full range of legal services to our clients. Third year law students, admitted to practice under Rule 10 of the Admission to Practice Rules, work under the supervision of faculty of the College of Law. We represent clients in all of the courts of the State of West Virginia and in the federal District Courts as well as the Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. We appear in the Tax Court. We also appear before the variety of administrative agencies.
Clinic students interview clients, counsel them concerning their legal options, investigate the facts of their client’s claims, analyze their legal claims, draft legal documents, negotiate on behalf of their clients and appear in court to litigate their claims.
Getting Help
Applicants may call directly to (304) 293-7249. You may also e-mail us at CLINICLAW@mail.wvu.edu.
Keep in mind that, except in tax matters, the Clinical Law Program takes new clients only during the academic year.