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 Prichard
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 the poor and disadvantaged. Students are introduced to the actual practice of law, representing low-income individuals primarily in the areas of domestic relations, child custody, landlord-tenant, consumer credit, collection matters, and government entitlement matters.

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, GLS conducts intakes on Tuesdays, and students will have greater frequency of client interaction if they are available on Tuesdays;
• Weekly classroom component scheduled Wednesdays, 1 p.m. - 2:25 p.m.;
• 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;
• 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.)