By Andrew Vazquez

Starting in the 2015 Fall semester, the in-house clinics will expand from 3 credit hours to 4. This includes the Philip C. Cook Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic, Health Law Partnership (HeLP) Legal Services Clinic, and the Investor Advocacy Clinic.

On Wednesday, February 11, 2015, from 12 PM – 1 PM and 5 PM – 6 PM, the College of Law will be hosting an experiential fair to inform students about the clinics. This event will be held in the second floor lobby and will feature representatives from each of the clinics. This is a good opportunity to ask the professors and students any lingering questions you have about the clinics.

As a former Tax Clinic student I can attest that it is well worth the time to join. Clinics are great because they allow you to put to practice what you have learned in the classroom and put it to actual use. Also, you are able to help real life clients and make a real difference. In the Tax Clinic, for example, I was able to help resolve tax issues that my clients had with the IRS. This included writing legal briefs, negotiating with representatives from the IRS, learning how to interact and interview clients, and file and time management. Even if you realize that you have no interest in tax or health law, the clinics still help you develop the skills that are important to being a lawyer.

When you get into the clinic and have to start doing research, make sure you check out the Law Library’s Research Guide to help you through it!

Upcoming Events