Racial Justice Pilot Project Clinic

Mission & Overview

The Racial Justice Pilot Project Clinic engages students in litigation and policy advocacy aimed at dismantling systemic racism and advancing racial justice. Students work on cases and advocacy projects addressing police misconduct, housing discrimination, criminal justice reform, and other mechanisms of racial subordination. The clinic prioritizes community engagement and systemic reform alongside individual case representation.

This clinic centers racial justice and equity, recognizing law's role in both perpetuating and challenging systemic racism. Students engage in deep reflection on law, race, power, and justice while contributing to meaningful racial justice work.

What Students Do

Racial Justice Clinic students engage in diverse racial justice advocacy:

• Police Misconduct Cases — Represent victims of police violence and misconduct
• Housing Discrimination — Challenge racial discrimination in housing and lending
• Criminal Justice Reform — Work on cases and advocacy addressing racial disparities in criminal justice
• Impact Litigation — Pursue cases with potential for systemic racial justice impact
• Community Organizing — Support community-led racial justice efforts
• Policy Advocacy — Engage in legislative advocacy for racial justice reforms
• Research & Documentation — Document racial injustice and develop evidence for reform

Learning Objectives

Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Understand systemic racism and legal doctrines addressing discrimination
• Analyze cases through racial justice lens
• Represent clients in civil rights and racial justice cases
• Engage in impact litigation and policy advocacy
• Work alongside communities in pursuing racial justice
• Reflect critically on race, law, and justice

Teaching Approach

The clinic combines critical race theory with practical advocacy:

• Seminars on civil rights law, racial justice, and systemic racism
• Direct representation in racial justice cases
• Community partnerships and engagement
• Impact litigation strategy and policy advocacy
• Critical reflection on race, power, and law

Faculty Supervision

Faculty supervisors are experienced civil rights and racial justice practitioners. They provide:

• Training on civil rights law and racial justice doctrine
• Oversight of all representation and advocacy work
• Mentorship on community-centered racial justice practice
• Guidance on impact litigation and systemic reform
• Support for engaging critically with race and law

Enrollment & Requirements

Who Can Enroll?

Open to 2L and 3L students. Civil Rights Law recommended. Successful applicants demonstrate:

• Deep commitment to racial justice
• Willingness to engage critically with race and law
• Ability to work alongside communities
• Strong writing and litigation skills
• Openness to reflection and growth

Schedule & Time Commitment

Units: 15 units

Time Commitment: 22-28 hours per week, including:

• Weekly 2-hour seminars on race and law
• Direct case representation and litigation
• Community engagement and organizing
• Policy research and advocacy work

Format: Year-long clinic

Cases & Advocacy Work

Students have worked on cases addressing:

• Police use of force and misconduct
• Racial discrimination in housing and lending
• Racial disparities in criminal justice and sentencing
• Employment discrimination based on race
• Educational equity and school discipline
• Systemic racism in government and law enforcement

Real-World Impact

Clinic work has resulted in significant civil rights victories, policy reforms, and systemic changes. Alumni pursue careers in civil rights law, social justice, racial equity work, and impact litigation. Many report the clinic as foundational to their professional commitment to racial justice.

Resources & Materials

Students have access to:

• Civil rights and racial justice case law databases
• Community partner networks and resources
• Impact litigation and policy advocacy tools
• Critical race theory and racial justice scholarship
• Research and analysis resources on racial disparities

Contacts & Further Information

Clinic Director: Contact the Stanford Law Clinics office

Community Partners: Community organizations advancing racial justice

Information: law-clinics@stanford.edu

Application Period: Spring for fall enrollment