SLO History
Opened as a “legal aid dispensary” in 1904, our clinic was the first in the country to offer law students academic credit for representing poor persons. Today we strive to create an educational atmosphere in which law students can refine their lawyering skills while providing quality representation to indigent clients. The lawyering skills emphasized in this program include: the development of effective client relationships, problem-solving, issue-identification, factual and legal research, writing of all kinds, oral advocacy and client advocacy in judicial and administrative settings, negotiation, and the use of appropriate office management techniques that ensure the efficient, ethical handling of client cases.
As a working law firm, the SLO is open year round to provide representation to clients in civil, criminal, civil rights, and environmental matters referred by the courts, local agencies, and individuals – including former clients. Students in the Mediation Clinic act as mediators in matters referred by the courts and individuals. Faculty supervisors advise and monitor cases through closure, but in the SLO the students have primary responsibility for their cases.