Jacobs Public Interest Law Clinic for Democracy and the Environment

Application closes April 19th for Fall 2024 enrollment.

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Please note this clinic is NOT available during the summer.

3 - 5 Credit Hours

Enrollment Eligibility Requirements:

• Successful completion of all first-year required courses;
• Be in good academic standing
• Pre or co-requisites: 1) Professional Responsibility; and 2) Environmental Law or Administrative Law
• Note: a certified legal internship clearance from the Florida Bar is NOT required to enroll

Program Description:

Recognizing that the health of our environment and of our communities are inextricably linked and entirely dependent on a functioning and just democracy, the Jacobs Law Clinic pursues and defends justice through Florida-focused advocacy focused on pressing environmental issues. It is centered on the mutually reinforcing and independently important principles of freedom to influence and participate in decision-making and access to the courts to seek relief from harm. The Jacobs Law Clinic provides a much-needed public service of pro bono legal aid while affording Stetson’s law students opportunities to represent clients with hands-on case management and the development of the advocacy skills necessary to be successful attorneys.

This clinic teaches the art of law practice through client representation on environmental and democracy matters. Students will learn how to find and use the sources of law relevant to their clients’ matters, including statutes, regulations, and case-law. Working under the supervision and licenses of practicing attorneys, students will take on the various roles representing actual clients, including interviewing, counseling, negotiation, presenting and oral advocacy, and drafting legal documents within and outside of active litigation. Students have the opportunity to travel, work with scientists and other lawyers, network with purpose, and receive thoughtful, personalized mentorship.

The Jacobs Law Clinic is approved for experiential credit and is an approved elective in the advocacy, environmental law, and social justice advocacy concentrations. Successful course completion earns students 30 hours of legal pro bono toward graduation requirements.

Program Requirements:

• At least 42.5 hours of contemporaneously recorded time per credit-hour earned
• Weekly classroom component which will meet Thursdays at 3-5 pm in Fall 2024

Placement Location:

Stetson University College of Law, Gulfport Campus, AD 113

Jacobs Law Clinic Staff:

Jaclyn Lopez, Assistant Professor of Law and Director
[email protected]     

Rachael Curran, Staff Attorney
[email protected]