Students in the Criminal Defense Clinic experience hands-on opportunities to work with clients while building confidence in the courtroom. The Clinic helps to build critical lawyering skills such as enhancing oral and written advocacy, reviewing discovery, writing motions, and participating in contested hearings and jury trials.
This clinic represents a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the legal profession as Oregon has recently garnered national attention due to a shortage of public defenders. Thousands are currently without legal representation. In response, the state has unveiled a plan to double the number of indigent defense in the next six years.
Willamette’s Criminal Defense clinic is at the forefront of this effort by preparing the next generation of criminal defense attorneys.