Child Advocacy Clinic
3-5 Credit Hours
(variable option for 3-5 credits [preference 4-5]. Each credit requires 42.5 hours)
Overseeing Professor:
Christine Cerniglia, Assiociate Professor and Director of Clinical and Experiential Education
[email protected]
Adjunct Professor:
Ari Weisberg, Assistant Public Defender
Sixth Judicial Circuit
Program Description:
Students will work with the Public Defender Crossover Program advocating for children in dependency and delinquency court. This opportunity allows students to understand the special dynamic of the attorney-client relationship were the client is a juvenile, and will provide them with a holistic understanding of the juvenile justice system.
Placement Locations:
• Public Defender's Office 6th Judicial Circuit (Clearwater)
Program Requirements:
• 42.5 hours per credit;
• Weekly classroom component which meets on Tuesdays from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Criminal Justice Center;
• For scheduling purposes, the Child Advocacy Clinic has adjudicatory hearings/trials on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday beginning at 1:00pm, and Fridays at 9:00am. Students are encouraged to be available for 2 of those timeslots;
• Detailed weekly timesheets; and
• Multiple reflective papers.
Eligibility Requirements:
• Successful completion of four semesters and at least 48 credit hours;
• Be in good academic standing;
• Successful completion of Professional Responsibility, Evidence, Trial Advocacy, and one upper-level Criminal Procedure course (Florida Criminal Procedure OR Federal Criminal Procedure [adjudication or investigation]);
• Successful completion of Family Law preferred but not required; and
• Must have received a Notice of Registrant Clearance from The Florida Board of Bar Examiners or expect to receive one at least eight weeks before participating in a clinic program.
Application Requirements:
• Submit a completed application by the appropriate deadline (for more information, see the Clinics and Externships Page); and
• Timely submit additional documentation as required for this program. (Students are notified of additional requirements after applying and being provisionally placed in the program.)