SUSPENSION REPRESENTATION CLINIC SEMINAR AND FIELDWORK (7) (CLC 421 & 422)

Professor Samantha Pownall

In this clinic, law students will provide legal representation to low-income students facing a superintendent’s suspension from New York City public schools and help safeguard their right to an education. The Suspension Representation Clinic will help address the tremendous need to increase access to quality representation for low-income students and parents facing suspension hearings. Where appropriate, students will continue to advocate for their clients following a suspension hearing – such as with re-entry into the school community following any period of suspension, or additional assistance for students with special education needs. Students in the clinic will develop a wide range of lawyering skills, including working with co-counsel, conducting client interviews, fact investigation, arguing before a judge, conducting direct and cross examination or mediating a no contest plea or settlement agreement.

Students in the Suspension Representation Clinic will gain invaluable insight into working with real clients from the case’s inception to its conclusion. Working in two-person teams, law students will interview clients and their parents; interpret local, state and federal law; gather evidence including witness statements, client intakes, and character references; analyze legal theories and develop a theory of the case; argue before a hearing officer; and cross examine witnesses at the suspension hearing.