Civil Legal Services Clinic
3-5 Credit Hours
(variable option 3-5 credits. Each credit requires 42.5 hours)
| Overseeing Professor: Christine Cerniglia, Associate Professor and Director of Clinical and Experiential Education [email protected] |
Adjunct Professor: Theresa L. Prichard, Esq. Gulfcoast Legal Services |
Program Description:
The goal of the clinic is to expose students to the unique and continuing legal needs for all persons, regardless of social status or income. The clinic handles a variety of legal issues normally facing low-income and unserved and undeserved populations. Students are introduced to the actual practice of law, representing low-income individuals primarily in the areas of family law, housing, consumer and financial stability matters, and other civil remedies. This is an in-person internship that also requires students to attend court, mediation, outreach events, and other on-site activities.
Placement Locations:
• Gulfcoast Legal Services (Saint Petersburg Office)
Program Requirements:
• 42.5 hours per credit
• There are no specific scheduling requirements from Gulfcoast Legal Services (GLS); however, students are expected to be present in-office, unless attending court or mediation, or an outreach event, as assigned, during regular business hours (Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.).
• Weekly classroom component scheduled Mondays, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
• Multiple reflective papers.
• Reliable transportation
Eligibility Requirements:
• Successful completion of four semesters and at least 48 credit hours;
• Be in good academic standing;
• Successful completion of Professional Responsibility;
• 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; and
• Must be certified by The Florida Supreme Court before the beginning of the semester during which the student intends to participate in a clinic program.
Application Requirements:
• Submit a completed application by the appropriate deadline (for more information, visit our 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.)