Clinic students may undertake legal research and preparation of legal memos at the request of external partners, typically in the context of ongoing legal proceedings. This research often helps shape, and is included directly in, briefing to a tribunal. Students may work with domestic or international prosecutors, litigators, NGOs, advocacy groups, or others pursuing accountability.
Students will learn advanced techniques for conducting complex legal research and analysis, and how to write clear, concise memoranda that effectively explore and answer the question(s) presented. Pedagogical class sessions will complement and contextualize the research project work. Though students will receive some background in genocide law and international criminal law, the primary focus of the clinical experience is on advocacy, and challenges to advocacy, in an international criminal justice setting.
Clinic students meet twice a week for one hour each (meeting days and hours will be determined once students have enrolled). The first hour is devoted to class discussion regarding international criminal law topics and attorney skill development. The second hour is reserved for project work on an alternating biweekly schedule of case rounds and individual project team meetings.
Students must take, or have taken, prior to or concurrently with the clinic, at least one of these courses: Introduction to International Law, Law and Genocide, Law and the Use of Force, Law of War Seminar, International Criminal Law, International Protection of Human Rights.
Enrollment is open to 2L and 3L day and evening JD students, and LLM students.
How To Apply
The LJAC Application Form can be submitted via 12Twenty. You must include:
1. Completed application form
2. Current resume or CV
3. Current unofficial LLS transcript or grade printout
4. Short (5-7 page) writing sample
Applicants may then be selected to proceed to a 20-minute interview. Please contact Clinical Director Rajika Shah at rajika.shah@lls.edu with any questions.