Youth & Education Law Project

Mission & Overview

The Youth and Education Law Project provides legal representation to students and young people in matters affecting their education and rights. Students work on special education cases, school discipline advocacy, and systemic issues affecting youth access to quality education. The clinic combines direct representation with advocacy for systemic education reform.

This clinic prioritizes youth voice and agency while developing expertise in education law and youth rights. Students engage directly with young people and schools while advocating for equitable educational access and protective procedural safeguards.

What Students Do

Youth and Education Law Project students engage in education advocacy:

• Special Education Representation — Represent students with disabilities in IEP disputes and due process hearings
• School Discipline Advocacy — Defend students facing suspension, expulsion, and disciplinary measures
• Education Rights Counseling — Advise young people on their rights in schools
• Due Process Hearings — Represent clients in special education and discipline hearings
• Systemic Advocacy — Engage in advocacy for education policy reform and systemic change
• Youth Organizing Support — Support student-led advocacy and organizing

Learning Objectives

Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Understand special education law and IDEA requirements
• Understand student rights in school discipline
• Advocate effectively for youth clients
• Navigate special education hearings and dispute resolution
• Engage in youth-centered legal practice
• Reflect on education justice and youth empowerment

Teaching Approach

The clinic emphasizes youth-centered advocacy:

• Seminars on education law, special education, and youth rights
• Direct representation of young people and families
• Participation in special education hearings
• Support for student advocacy and organizing
• Reflection on youth voice and empowerment

Faculty Supervision

Faculty supervisors are experienced education law practitioners. They provide:

• Training on education law and special education procedures
• Oversight of all client representation
• Guidance on youth-centered advocacy
• Mentorship on working effectively with young people
• Support for systemic education advocacy

Enrollment & Requirements

Who Can Enroll?

Open to 2L and 3L students. No specific prerequisites required. Successful applicants demonstrate:

• Genuine commitment to youth rights and education
• Respect for youth agency and voice
• Cultural competence and willingness to work across difference
• Strong communication skills
• Commitment to systemic change

Schedule & Time Commitment

Units: 12 units

Time Commitment: 18-22 hours per week, including:

• Weekly 1.5-hour seminars
• Direct representation and case work
• School meetings and hearing preparation

Format: Year-long clinic

Case Examples

Students have worked on cases involving:

• IEP disputes and special education access
• Section 504 accommodation requests
• School discipline and suspensions
• Expulsion defense
• Bullying and harassment
• LGBTQ+ youth rights
• Systemic education equity issues

Real-World Impact

Clinic work has resulted in successful IEP amendments, overturned suspensions, improved school policies, and expanded protections for vulnerable students. Alumni pursue careers in education law, school counseling, youth advocacy, and education policy. Many report the clinic as transformative in their commitment to youth rights.

Resources & Materials

Students have access to:

• Education law databases and special education resources
• IEP templates and special education documentation
• Student rights materials and resources
• Networks with schools and education organizations
• Research support on education equity issues

Contacts & Further Information

Clinic Director: Contact the Stanford Law Clinics office

Information: law-clinics@stanford.edu

Application Period: Spring for fall enrollment