The Juvenile Innocence and Fair Sentencing Clinic is a complete experience in post-conviction criminal defense, through the lens of juvenile post-conviction sentencing. Students prepare, file and litigate three types of claims: (1) re-sentencing claims for clients whose commitment offenses occurred when they were juveniles; (2) wrongful conviction actions for persons convicted as juveniles; and (3) youth offender parole hearings. Students represent incarcerated clients in Los Angeles Superior Court, the California and Federal Courts of Appeal, and the Board of Parole Hearings. All students engage in extensive client and witness interviewing and counseling, in-court litigation, drafting and filing of petitions and motions, hands-on investigation, and appellate advocacy. Students who complete the JIFS Clinic are in high demand for public defender post-bar clerkships; the depth of knowledge and commitment they gain is unique, even among law school clinics. The law of juvenile sentencing is undergoing constant change, and students work at the cutting edge of this law.
Minimum requirements for enrollment are: Criminal Law, Civil Procedure and Evidence. Criminal Procedure is strongly recommended, but not required. Students must be California Bar certified and in good academic standing. Prior academic performance will be considered, however, weight will be given to those students who can demonstrate an interest in the issues presented as well as to those who have prior experience in a related field. In addition to completing an application with a resume, students must interview with Professor Hawthorne in order to be considered for the class. Please note that there will be a three-day orientation to be held one week before the official school year begins. Participation in orientation the week before classes begin, is mandatory.
Application Process
Both the clinics comprising the Loyola Social Justice Law Clinic and LLS practica are highly competitive and enrollment into most is by application only, although many of them admit interested students on a rolling basis.
To find clinics in 12Twenty:
- After logging in, go to "OCI and Job Postings"
- Search using the Filter for "Type of job"
- Scroll down and select "Law School Clinic or Practica" and hit return
PLEASE NOTE: Applications to clinics and practica require that you submit a resume through 12Twenty. This will require that your resume is approved in advance by the career development office. Please plan ahead accordingly.
Clinic directors share candidate lists in an effort to maximize the number of students who receive offers. If you apply to more than one clinic, that information may be used in determining your offer.