University of Houston Clinical Legal Programs
Who we are
Under the guidance and supervision of clinical faculty, our law students handle all aspect of cases, from interviewing, to filing motions, to conducting trials in court. Legal Clinics offer law students an exciting opportunity to have hands-on, practical experience in the legal profession while still in law school.
The mission of The Clinical Legal Education Program is threefold
- To train law students to be competent, professional and ethical advocates for their clients
- To provide first-rate pro-bono legal representation to indigent clients and communities in Harris County in the areas of law covered by the particular clinic
- To provide support to the courts and legislature and to develop policies that can improve the surrounding communities
Intake Hours and Guidelines
- Monday through Friday
- 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Apply over the phone by calling 713-743-2094
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be a Texas resident.
Languages served
- Spanish
- Chinese
- Other languages: interpreter service is available upon request
Legal Clinics
Civil Practice
Students in the Civil Practice Clinic work on a wide variety of civil cases, including bankruptcy, collection, landlord-tenant, divorce, domestic violence, administrative appeals, adoption, will drafting, guardianships, name changes and probate. The goal of the Civil Practice Clinic is for students to work on the types of cases they would handle in their first five years of practice.
Criminal Defense
Students in the Criminal Defense Clinic will be assigned misdemeanor cases and be responsible for handling all legal aspects of the case from arraignment to fact investigation to trial. The Clinic selects misdemeanor cases with a high probability of going to trial, which increases the likelihood of each student serving as lead attorney. Students will learn the law in a real-life context and develop profession and problem-solving skills. Students will be exposed to a wide range of cases such as assaults, thefts, driving while intoxicated and drug possession. Students will have the opportunity to investigate crime scenes and interview witnesses.
Consumer Law
The Consumer Law Clinic is one of the few of its kind in the country. Law students learn the law by a mixture of theory and actual hands-on experience representing low-income clients in Justice Court, County Court, and District Court. Cases include claims under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, as well as credit and debt-collection problems and landlord/tenant complaints.
Immigration
The Immigration Clinic specializes in handling applications for asylum on behalf of victims of torture and persecution, in representing immigrants who have been the victims of domestic violence, human trafficking and crime, and children and those fleeing civil war, genocide or political repression. Students also give presentations to outside organizations that deal with Immigrant Issues and give individual assistance to immigrants held in immigration detention centers.
Contact Info
100 Law Center, Building TU 2, Room 56
Clinical Programs, UH Law Center
Houston, TX 77204
United StatesPhone:
(713) 743-2094