Supreme Court Litigation Clinic

Mission & Overview

The Supreme Court Litigation Clinic offers Stanford Law students an unparalleled opportunity to engage in high-stakes appellate litigation before the nation's highest court. Students work on actual cases involving constitutional questions, civil rights, and matters of national significance.

As one of the most prestigious law school clinics in the country, the Supreme Court Clinic combines rigorous legal training with the opportunity to influence constitutional jurisprudence. Students develop expert-level skills in appellate advocacy, legal writing, and constitutional argument while contributing meaningfully to cases of national importance.

What Students Do

Students in this clinic engage in authentic appellate legal work including:

• Cert Petition Drafting — Analyze cases for certiorari potential and draft compelling petitions for review
• Merits Brief Preparation — Conduct extensive legal research and write briefs on the merits for cases accepted by the Court
• Amicus Brief Authorship — Draft amicus curiae briefs advancing important legal arguments for interested parties
• Appellate Argument Preparation — Prepare comprehensive argument materials, including bench memoranda and oral argument strategy
• Constitutional Analysis — Engage in sophisticated analysis of constitutional doctrine and develop novel legal arguments
• Case Management — Coordinate with clients, co-counsel, and Court procedures throughout litigation

Learning Objectives

Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Conduct comprehensive constitutional and legal research at the appellate level
• Draft persuasive appellate briefs that meet Supreme Court standards
• Develop sophisticated arguments on complex constitutional questions
• Understand Supreme Court practice, procedure, and strategic considerations
• Work effectively in collaborative legal teams under real-world pressures
• Reflect critically on constitutional law, justice, and the role of appellate advocacy

Teaching Approach

The clinic employs a case-based learning model where students work directly on actual Supreme Court cases. Instruction occurs through:

• Weekly seminars on appellate procedure, constitutional doctrine, and advocacy strategies
• Individual and small-group supervision of student work by faculty and experienced practitioners
• Collaborative team projects on case teams assigned to specific petitions or briefs
• Feedback cycles on drafts from supervising attorneys and student peers
• Reflection sessions on case outcomes and their constitutional implications

Faculty Supervision

The clinic is supervised by faculty with extensive appellate experience, including former law clerks to Supreme Court Justices and experienced appellate advocates. Faculty provide:

• Strategic guidance on case selection and litigation approaches
• Detailed feedback on all student-drafted documents
• Mentorship on professional development and career planning in appellate law
• Oversight of all client communications and case management
• Grading based on quality of work products and professional responsibility

Enrollment & Requirements

Who Can Enroll?

This clinic is available to 2L and 3L students. Prior appellate experience is beneficial but not required. Successful applicants demonstrate:

• Strong writing and legal research skills
• Interest in constitutional law and appellate practice
• Commitment to high-quality legal work and professional responsibility
• Ability to meet strict deadlines and court rules

Application Process

Students submit a writing sample and statement of interest. Selection is competitive and limited to students demonstrating exceptional legal writing ability.

Schedule & Time Commitment

Units: 12-15 units, depending on credit arrangement with instructor

Time Commitment: 20-25 hours per week during active case periods, including:

• Weekly 2-hour seminar sessions
• 20+ hours of substantive case work and writing
• Research and brief preparation as deadlines require

Format: Year-long or semester-based enrollment available

Case Examples & Impact

Students have contributed to cases addressing:

• First Amendment free speech and religious liberty questions
• Equal protection and civil rights matters
• Due process and criminal procedure issues
• Commerce Clause and constitutional structure questions
• Administrative law and separation of powers questions

Real-World Impact

Supreme Court Clinic briefs have influenced major constitutional decisions. Alumni report that Supreme Court experience distinguishes them significantly in clerkship and appellate practice placements. Many alumni go on to careers in appellate law, clerkships, and legal academia.

Resources & Materials

Students have access to:

• Supreme Court Rule books and practice guides
• Appellate brief and petition templates
• Constitutional law research databases
• Archives of prior clinic briefs and petitions
• Library resources and research assistance

Contacts & Further Information

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

Information: Visit the Clinical Law Program page or contact law-clinics@stanford.edu

Application Period: Spring semester for fall enrollment; fall semester for spring enrollment