Criminal Defense Clinic

Mission & Overview

The Criminal Defense Clinic provides law students with direct representation experience in criminal cases, serving indigent defendants in state and federal courts. Students work closely with experienced criminal defense attorneys and public defender offices, handling cases from initial appearance through trial and appeal.

This clinic develops essential trial practice skills while providing crucial legal services to defendants who cannot afford private counsel. Students gain exposure to all phases of criminal litigation and grapple with fundamental questions of justice, fairness, and the criminal legal system.

What Students Do

Criminal Defense Clinic students engage in full litigation practice:

• Client Counseling — Meet with clients, advise on charges and strategy, explain legal rights and procedures
• Case Investigation — Conduct witness interviews, investigate crime scenes, gather evidence and discovery
• Motion Practice — Prepare motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and other pre-trial motions
• Negotiations — Engage in plea discussions and settlement negotiations with prosecutors
• Trial Preparation — Prepare witnesses, develop cross-examination strategy, and prepare trial materials
• Trial Advocacy — Conduct direct and cross-examination, make legal arguments, participate in sentencing proceedings
• Appeals — Prepare appellate briefs and participate in appellate advocacy

Learning Objectives

Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Understand criminal procedure and evidence rules
• Conduct effective client interviews and develop case strategy
• Perform thorough investigation and discovery analysis
• Draft persuasive motions and legal documents
• Conduct effective witness examination and trial advocacy
• Navigate ethical issues in criminal representation
• Reflect on criminal justice system and client advocacy

Teaching Approach

The clinic provides authentic trial practice through:

• Weekly seminars on criminal procedure, evidence, and trial practice
• Individual case supervision by experienced criminal defense attorneys
• Hands-on client representation and case management
• Courtroom experience and trial practice opportunities
• Feedback on legal work and advocacy skills
• Mentorship on criminal defense practice and professional development

Faculty Supervision

Faculty supervisors are experienced criminal defense practitioners. They provide:

• Training on criminal procedure, evidence, and defense strategy
• Direct oversight of all client representation and court appearances
• Detailed feedback on motions, briefs, and oral advocacy
• Guidance on professional responsibility in criminal practice
• Mentorship on defending constitutional rights and challenging state power

Enrollment & Requirements

Who Can Enroll?

Open to 2L and 3L students. Criminal Procedure (or equivalent) is required. Successful applicants demonstrate:

• Interest in criminal law and defense practice
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Ability to work with vulnerable and marginalized clients
• Commitment to providing competent defense
• Willingness to be present in court regularly

Application Process

Students submit applications and participate in interviews. Court appearance and reliability are essential criteria.

Schedule & Time Commitment

Units: 12-15 units

Time Commitment: 20-25 hours per week, including:

• Weekly 2-hour seminars
• Client meetings and case work
• Court appearances and trial preparation
• Legal research and motion drafting

Format: Year-long clinic

Case Examples & Impact

Students have handled cases involving:

• Felony drug offenses and controlled substance cases
• Property crimes and theft charges
• Violent crime defense
• Federal criminal cases
• Sentencing and mitigation advocacy
• Appellate defense of convictions

Real-World Impact

Clinic work has resulted in acquittals, dismissals, favorable plea agreements, and sentence reductions. Many alumni become public defenders or criminal defense practitioners. Students report that clinic experience profoundly affects their understanding of the criminal justice system and commitment to constitutional rights.

Resources & Materials

Students have access to:

• Criminal procedure rules and evidence codes
• Public defender office resources and case management systems
• Investigation tools and databases
• Expert witness networks
• Library and research support

Contacts & Further Information

Clinic Director: Contact the Stanford Law Clinics office for current faculty assignments

Information: Visit the Criminal Defense Clinic page or contact law-clinics@stanford.edu

Application Period: Rolling admissions; apply in spring for fall