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Clinical Program

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Frequently Asked Questions 26-27

  • Where can I learn more about the Clinic? 

    Clinic Information Session
    Wednesday, February 18, 5:00-6:00 PM
    Grossman Hall 
    Interactive panel with faculty and former clinic students  

    Clinic Open House
    Thursday, February 26, 5:00-7:00 PM
    Clinic office, suite Y265

  • Who can apply? Anyone who will be a full time 2L or 3L, or a part time 3L or 4L in 2026-2027 may apply to Clinic.

  • How and when can I apply? The online application will be posted on the Clinic website and will be open from February 26, 2026 until March 6, 2026.  

  • Am I required to attend any information sessions before applying? 
    Yes! You must attend either the open house on February 26 or one of the clinic-specific small-group sessions taking place at various times from February 27 to March 6, 2026.

    Attendance at both the open house AND a small-group session is strongly recommended.

    Sign-ups for small groups will be posted on the Clinic website.

  • Can I apply to multiple clinics? Yes, the application allows you to rank as many clinics as you like in order of interest.

  • Can I participate in clinic and have an externship, internship, or paid employment in the same semester? Only with the permission of your clinic professor, and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Do not assume that permission will be granted. Additionally, we have a conflict policy that prohibits students form working for certain employers and internship/externship placements while in Clinic. Please review the conflict policy before you apply. All paid and unpaid positions must be disclosed in the application, and you must update us of any changes.

  • Can I participate in clinic and journal in the same semester? Typically, you can do Clinic and journal during the same semester, but your particular journal responsibilities (i.e. executive board) and the expectations and requirements of each clinic's faculty may be factors. You will be asked about any journal participation in the application. If you are on a journal and in clinic, please take fewer credits in other classes and limit your other activities accordingly. It is best not to be writing your journal comment in the same semester that you are in clinic.

  • Can I participate in a competition team at the same time as clinic? You may be on an honors society competition team in the same year that you participate in clinic. However, you may not participate in a competition during the semester you do clinic. (For example, if you participate in clinic in the fall, you cannot also be in a competition in the fall, but you could do so in the spring.) This rule also applies to independent competitions that are separate from honors societies. You will be asked about your participation in competition teams in the application, and you will know your clinic semester assignment before any decisions are made about competitions. Students who participate in the Intellectual Property Clinic, a full-year clinic, are exempt from this rule. 

  • How much time will I spend on Clinic work? In addition to seminar and class prep time, we estimate that students spend on average, 15 to 20 hours per week on their case work. Some weeks, you may work much more than that; other weeks, you may work less. You should view Clinic as a demanding part-time job.

  • Can I do multiple clinics during my time at WCL? Yes, students who participate in a one-semester clinic during their 2L (or part-time 3L) year may enroll (if accepted) in another one-semester clinic during their 3L (or part-time 4L) year. Students who have participated in a full-year clinic may not enroll in another clinic while at WCL.

  • If I don’t get into a clinic at first, will there be a waitlist? Yes, there are always some students accepted from the waitlist.

  • What if I change my mind about participating in Clinic after accepting a spot? Students may only withdraw from clinic with instructor permission and for good cause. By accepting a spot in Clinic, you are agreeing not to transfer to another law school or seek a conflicting job or externship.