Family Law Clinic

The Family Law Clinic (“FLC”) is a year-long course that is divided into a first-semester classroom component and a second-semester field component.  Each component is letter graded and results in three (3) hours of course credit. Due to the longevity of domestic cases, each student must commit to both semesters and complete at least 128 hours per semester to earn course credit.

The areas of practice for the FLC include but are not limited to child custody, child support, absolute divorces, guardianships, name changes and abuse, neglect and dependency. Working under the supervision of Professor Nakia C. Davis, supervising attorney of the FLC, or other assigned licensed attorneys, students provide clients with legal advice, legal representation perform various administrative tasks for the clinic, participate in and conduct File-It-Yourself group session services and bundled services, and fulfill Courthouse Presence office hours at the Community Partnership Suite of the Durham County Courthouse.

The FLC classroom component is structured to ensure that students are prepared with the knowledge and skill set needed to represent clients effectively. Students are introduced to various substantive and procedural laws in the areas of domestic laws, civil procedure and evidence found in the North Carolina General Statutes and counties’ local rules.

Students are introduced to and apply relevant legal concepts during class lectures and discussions, drafting of mock pleadings and motions, the completion of timed NC Bar essays, simulations, and a model client.

The FLC field component allows students to represent indigent clients in the areas of child custody, child support, absolute divorces, abuse, neglect and dependency, guardianships, name changes and adoptions, under the North Carolina State Bar’s Rules Governing Student Practice.

Representation by the FLC is not automatic. A potential client’s matter may be assessed by a certified legal intern and discussed with the supervising attorney; however, it is the ultimate decision of the supervising attorney if the clinic will be able to assist the potential client with their legal matter. Such determination is dependent upon numerous factors and may be different for each assessment. The clinic is active from September until early May. Client intake for full representation occurs from September until the second week of February of each academic year. If you are interested in learning more about the intake process or seeking representation during the time frame mentioned, please contact the supervising attorney at the telephone number or email address listed below.

The FLC takes part in various community events hosted by churches, schools, community organizations and institutions in the Triangle area. FLC takes great pride in its ability to serve its community. During these events, certified legal interns provide legal advice and information regarding various domestic issues (child custody, child support, alimony and divorce) upon request of the participants. We also take direct referrals from various organizations and institutions. We do not guarantee that the FLC will be able to provide representation for the referral but will ensure that the person is provided with advice if there is not a conflict in our system.