Family Justice Clinic

The Family Justice Clinic (FJC) at University of Idaho provides third-year law students the opportunity to offer free legal services to survivors of interpersonal violence, under the guidance of a supervising attorney. In collaboration with the Faces of Hope, this clinic enables you to develop your legal skills while making a significant impact on the lives of survivors.

As a student participant in the clinic, you will apply classroom lessons to provide full representation for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. From conducting client interviews and drafting legal documents to negotiating with opposing counsel and handling trials, you'll gain experience managing all aspects of a client’s civil case.

Through the Faces of Hope Foundation, you’ll also collaborate with a network of professionals, including members of the Boise Police Department's Special Victim Unit, child abuse investigators, medical professionals and counselors. This clinic offers invaluable legal experience and the chance to contribute to your community by helping families in crisis.

Potential clients

If you are in need of assistance to escape domestic violence or seeking protection, you can reach out to Faces of Hope directly at www.facesofhopeidaho.org. Faces of Hope is a trusted partner that provides support services and resources for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

You can also apply for services through the Family Justice Clinic by submitting your application directly to us by clicking the Apply for Services link. Our third-year law students, under the supervision of experienced attorneys, will review your case and determine how we can assist you in navigating the legal system to ensure your safety and protection.

Apply for Family Justice Clinic services

Law students

The Family Justice Clinic was created to provide third-year law students with hands-on legal experience while addressing a crucial community need — offering pro bono legal representation to low-income families facing interpersonal violence. The clinic is a full-time program staffed by eight third-year law students who operate under a limited license issued by the Idaho State Supreme Court, all while being closely supervised by a licensed attorney clinical director.

By working in the Family Justice Clinic, you’ll gain invaluable experience that will prepare you for a successful legal career while making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families in crisis.

In my time at the Family Justice Clinic, I have not only developed practical skills, but I have also become a more empathetic person. That is an essential part of advocacy and is what I learned at the Family Justice Clinic.

Nina Marcello

3L Student Spring 2023

The Family Justice Clinic student experience

Learning outcomes

As a participant in the FJC, you will gain valuable experience in key areas of legal practice, including:

Critical legal thinking: Develop your skills in analyzing a client’s legal interests and crafting strategic case plans to best serve their needs.
Investigative skills: Conduct thorough factual investigations, including interviewing clients, parties and witnesses, as well as drafting and responding to formal discovery requests.
Caseload management: Manage a diverse caseload, maintaining both paper and electronic files, keeping track of deadlines and managing time efficiently to balance client needs, coursework and personal commitments.
Written and oral advocacy: Practice communication and advocacy skills, representing clients in negotiations, communicating with opposing counsel, and advocating on behalf of clients in court proceedings.
Family law and court procedures: Gain in-depth knowledge of substantive law and court procedures, enabling you to competently represent clients in civil protection hearings, family law cases and matters like divorce and child custody.
Professional responsibility: Apply the ethical considerations and professional responsibilities of being a licensed member of the legal profession in real-world settings.
Interdisciplinary collaboration: Collaborate with law enforcement, counselors, medical professionals and other advocates who work alongside you to support survivors of domestic violence and promote community safety.

Student work assignments

Your client work is done under the close supervision of College of Law faculty. The clinic operates as a law firm. Cases are initiated with student-led intake interviews under the managing attorney's supervision. When a case is selected for representation, you’re assigned to the case, you obtain a client representation agreement and develop a case plan for meeting the goals of the client.

With supervision, you take the lead on cases conducting research, drafting, factual investigation, formal discovery, motion and evidentiary hearings and trials, according to case demands.

Required courses

The following requirements must be met to work with the Family Justice Clinic.

Prerequisites

Evidence (Law 9500)
Lawyering Process (Law 9710)
Trial Advocacy (Law 9580) or Trial Skills (Law 9540)

Co-requisite

Domestic Violence and the Law (Law 9680)

Recommended coursework

Family Law (Law 9630)

How to apply

To apply to work for the Family Justice Clinic, you must be a 3L in good standing and eligible to apply for a limited license through the Idaho State Bar. During the spring application period, you will need to submit an application, cover letter and resume detailing your interest in the clinic.

Information sessions for the clinic are held and applications are accepted for clinical placements in early spring. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and positions remain open until all spots are filled. Preference is given to students applying for a full-year commitment.

Note: Students enrolled in the Family Justice Clinic are not eligible to participate in a semester-in-practice but may pursue summer externships or pro bono placements.

Contact the Family Justice Clinic

Contact the Family Justice Clinic at 208-364-6166 or legalaidclinic@uidaho.edu.