WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS · UNITED STATES
Appellate Clinic
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
9 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Brief and argue cases in U.S. Courts of AppealsPractical Experience
- Represent clients in civil rights or criminal appealsCasework Focus
- Develop advanced writing and research skillsSkill Development
- Learn federal appellate procedure and judicial decision-makingClassroom Seminar
- Opportunity for moot oral argumentsAdvocacy Training
The Appellate Clinic provides students with hands-on experience in federal appellate practice. Students will brief and argue cases before the United States Courts of Appeals. The clinic primarily represents clients in pro bono, court-appointed cases concerning civil rights or criminal appeals, but may also handle other types of federal appeals. This practical experience includes regular client interaction, intensive case record analysis, substantial legal research, and the drafting and revision of appellate briefs. Students may also have the opportunity to draft an amicus brief.
Curriculum
The clinic combines practical casework with a weekly classroom seminar. The seminar covers essential aspects of appellate practice, including writing techniques, case management, federal procedure, judicial decision-making, Supreme Court practice, and moot oral arguments.
- Clinic Semester
- Appellate Clinic Casework
- Appellate Practice Seminar
Careers
Experience gained in the Appellate Clinic directly prepares students for careers in federal appellate law, civil rights litigation, criminal defense, and other areas of legal practice requiring strong research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
- Appellate Attorney
- Litigator
- Public Defender
- Civil Rights Attorney
- Judicial Clerk
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Appellate Clinic and what kind of experience does it offer?
- The Appellate Clinic provides hands-on experience in federal appellate practice, where students brief and argue cases before the U.S. Courts of Appeals. You will represent clients in pro bono cases, primarily concerning civil rights or criminal appeals.
- What will I learn in the Appellate Clinic?
- The clinic combines practical casework with a weekly seminar covering appellate practice, including writing techniques, federal procedure, judicial decision-making, and moot oral arguments. You will develop advanced research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
- What are the career outcomes after participating in the Appellate Clinic?
- Experience gained in the clinic prepares students for careers as Appellate Attorneys, Litigators, Public Defenders, Civil Rights Attorneys, or Judicial Clerks. It is especially relevant for roles requiring strong research, writing, and oral advocacy.
- How do I apply to the Appellate Clinic?
- Admission to the clinic is typically part of the enrollment process for the Law program at Washington University. You should follow the general application procedures for the School of Law and express your interest in clinical programs.
- What are the tuition fees for the Appellate Clinic?
- Specific tuition amounts for the clinic itself are not listed separately. Clinic participation is integrated into the broader Law program costs, for which tuition fees are available on the School of Law admissions page.
- Are there any scholarships available for students in the Law program?
- Yes, the School of Law offers general scholarships, and the university provides scholarships for admitted students. Details on these merit-based and need-based opportunities are available on the Admissions & Aid page.
Entry requirements
Current Law StudentAdmission is for students enrolled in the Law program.
Specific GPA or prerequisite course information is not detailed for this clinic. Interested students should inquire directly with the Law School.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fees for the Law program are available on the School of Law admissions page. Clinic participation is part of the overall program.
Tuition (home)Tuition fees for the Law program are available on the School of Law admissions page. Clinic participation is part of the overall program.
LivingEstimated living costs for St. Louis are available through the University's Admissions & Aid section.
Specific tuition amounts for the clinic itself are not listed; it is integrated into the broader Law program costs.
How to apply
1. Apply to Washington University School of LawProspective students must apply to the JD program through the standard Law School admissions process. This includes submitting all required application materials.
2. Express Interest in Clinical ProgramsDuring the application process or upon enrollment, students can typically express their interest in participating in clinical programs like the Appellate Clinic.
3. Clinic Application/SelectionFurther details on the specific selection process for the Appellate Clinic, which may involve essays or interviews, should be obtained from the School of Law's clinical programs office.
Scholarships
General Law School ScholarshipsVaries
University ScholarshipsAverage $65,000
Accreditation
Washington University School of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).
Frequently asked questions
What is the Appellate Clinic and what kind of experience does it offer?
+
The Appellate Clinic provides hands-on experience in federal appellate practice, where students brief and argue cases before the U.S. Courts of Appeals. You will represent clients in pro bono cases, primarily concerning civil rights or criminal appeals.
What will I learn in the Appellate Clinic?
+
The clinic combines practical casework with a weekly seminar covering appellate practice, including writing techniques, federal procedure, judicial decision-making, and moot oral arguments. You will develop advanced research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
What are the career outcomes after participating in the Appellate Clinic?
+
Experience gained in the clinic prepares students for careers as Appellate Attorneys, Litigators, Public Defenders, Civil Rights Attorneys, or Judicial Clerks. It is especially relevant for roles requiring strong research, writing, and oral advocacy.
How do I apply to the Appellate Clinic?
+
Admission to the clinic is typically part of the enrollment process for the Law program at Washington University. You should follow the general application procedures for the School of Law and express your interest in clinical programs.
What are the tuition fees for the Appellate Clinic?
+
Specific tuition amounts for the clinic itself are not listed separately. Clinic participation is integrated into the broader Law program costs, for which tuition fees are available on the School of Law admissions page.
Are there any scholarships available for students in the Law program?
+
Yes, the School of Law offers general scholarships, and the university provides scholarships for admitted students. Details on these merit-based and need-based opportunities are available on the Admissions & Aid page.