Legal Aid Society

Credits: 6-12
(Orlando)

Students are assigned as lawyers for indigent clients with general civil problems. Students assist in all aspects of representation of clients in judicial and administrative proceedings. Students are introduced to basic lawyering skills such as interviewing, fact gathering, field investigation, identifying and applying law to facts, diagnosing a client's problem, and developing case strategy. In addition, students become familiar with the drafting of legal documents, with the discovery process, and with the negotiating and settlement of cases. Students also are exposed to administrative hearings and civil trials. Students develop substantive knowledge in the areas of governmental benefits, family law and employment discrimination, real property and/or consumer law.