A Robust and Unique Clinical Program


Yale Law School has one of the most robust clinical programs in the country. Unlike most other schools, students can begin taking clinics—and appearing in court—during the spring of their first year. Clinic students represent real clients with real legal problems (not in simulations or role-playing exercises), and are supervised by senior faculty members, with whom they often develop close and lasting mentoring relationships.

About 90% of our students take advantage of this unique opportunity to combine theory with practice, and many students take more than one clinic. With nearly 30 clinics, there are almost always places available.

Opportunities abound in the Jerome N. Frank Legal Services Organization—a single law firm that currently houses nine clinics, including the Samuel Jacobs Criminal Justice Clinic and the Ludwig Center for Community and Economic Development.  In addition to the complete list of clinics and projects, a number of other centers and programs also offer experiential learning opportunities. Simulation courses are also offered in such areas as Appellate Advocacy, Corporate Crisis Management, and Negotiating and Drafting M&A Agreements.

Ways to Engage


Our Clinics

Yale Law School offers more than 30 clinics that provide students with hands-on, practical experience in the law on a diverse range of subject matters.

Simulation

Yale Law School offers a suite of innovative simulation courses based on real-world case studies.

Centers and Workshops

Yale Law School enhances the intellectual life of its academic community by sponsoring a variety of centers, programs, and workshops, inspired by the interests of its faculty and students.

Thursday, July 20, 2023


A student standing outdoors at a podium before a photographer using a large-lensed camera. A row of people stand behind her. In the background is the U.S. Capitol Building.

Alex Johnson ’24, an intern with the Veterans Legal Services Clinic, addresses the audience at a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol. The clinic filed a petition on behalf of 14 veterans LGBTQ+ rights groups to request that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs issue regulations to enforce antidiscrimination rules for its health care programs. Behind Johnson are clients and the measure’s supporters including, at left, Lindsay Church of Minority Veterans of America, the lead petitioner; at center, Sen. Richard Blumenthal ’73; and, at right, K.N. McCleary ’24, another law student intern with the clinic.

Tuesday, November 29, 2022


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Tuesday, November 29, 2022


1:58

Monday, November 7, 2022


2:30

Monday, November 7, 2022


1:17

Friday, October 14, 2022


3:08

Thursday, August 17, 2023


In The Press

Pittsburgh Journalist Sues Allegheny County Over Jail 'Gag Order' Policies

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

The Media Freedom and Information Access Clinic has helped bring a lawsuit against Allegheny County by a journalist that claims a county jail “gag order” violates jail staff’s First Amendment right.

Tuesday, April 25, 2023


In The Press

Air Force Will Reconsider Mental Health In Discharge Process

Law360

Members of the Veterans Leegal Services Clinic including William O. Douglas Clinical Professor Michael Wishnie ’93, Clinical Lecturer in Law Meghan E. Brooks ’19, and several YLS students are mentioned in a story about a case brought against the Air Force by the clinic.

 

Tuesday, February 21, 2023


In The Press

Antitrust Group, Economists Back DOJ, AGs Against Google

Law360

Visiting Clinical Lecturer in Law David Dinielli comments on amicus briefs supporting antitrust enforcement actions against Google. The Media Freedom and Information Access Clinic’s Tech Accountability & Competition Project filed the briefs on behalf of a group of behavioral economists.

Monday, November 28, 2022


In The Press

Racial Discrimination by Veterans Affairs Spans Decades, Lawsuit Says

The Washington Post

The Veterans Legal Services Clinic represents Conley Monk Jr. in a case seeking redress for harm caused by long-standing racial disparities in veterans’ benefits programs.

Monday, November 28, 2022


In The Press

A Black Vietnam Veteran is Suing the VA for Discrimination

NPR

Adam Henderson ’23 is interviewed about a new case brought by the Veterans Legal Services Clinic in federal court.

Tuesday, August 30, 2022


In The Press

Civil Rights Group Sues Woodbridge for Allegedly Violating Housing Laws

Connecticut Public Radio

Mira Netsky ’23 comments on a lawsuit civil rights attorneys and housing advocates are bringing against the town of Woodbridge, Connecticut. The Jerome N. Frank Legal Services Organization is part of the legal team.

Student Profile Videos


Sam Feineh headshot
’24

Sam Feineh

A student reflects on his passion to pursue criminal justice reform and being a part of the Challenging Mass Incarceration Clinic.