The Clinical Legal Education Program of the North Carolina Central University School of Law is committed to producing excellent attorneys who are sensitive to addressing the needs of people and communities that are traditionally underserved and under-represented by the legal profession.
Clinic Mission Statement
The Clinical Legal Education Program of North Carolina Central University School of Law is committed to producing excellent attorneys who are sensitive to addressing the needs of people and communities that are traditionally underserved and under-represented by the legal profession. Through a diverse body of clinical courses, we offer students an opportunity to pursue justice in a variety of legal disciplines. We teach students to respect the legal process and the dignity of all clients regardless of their station in life. We believe that sensitizing future lawyers to the importance of serving these under-represented clients advances fairness and equity in the justice system, founding principles of NCCU Law.
Students in their last year of law school are certified by the North Carolina State Bar to practice law under the supervision of an attorney who has practiced in various areas of family law.
The Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic at the NCCU School of Law has an ongoing need for volunteers to assist with its caseload. Please contact us for more details.
The Criminal Defense Clinic aims to provide high-quality legal service to community members who cannot afford to hire an attorney to represent them in misdemeanor criminal court proceedings or to provide legal advice about expungements and other criminal record relief.
The North Carolina Central University Civil Litigation Clinic affords students the unique opportunity to develop their skills in the craft of lawyering in the field of civil litigation while assisting low-income and vulnerable members of our community, furthering our commitment to “Truth and Service” and “Equal Justice Under the Law.”
The NCCU Intellectual Property Legal Clinic (IP Clinic) at the NCCU School of Law provides patent and trademark prosecution services to local entrepreneurs. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has certified our IP Clinic, allowing law students to represent clients before the USPTO.
In the Juvenile Law Clinic, we provide pro bono legal representation to children in various capacities. Under the supervision of a licensed attorney, students represent children in juvenile delinquency proceedings and long-term suspension hearings in Durham County.
The NCCU School of Law Pro Bono Clinic supports law student participation in pro bono service and fosters student commitment to legal public service both during law school and after graduation.
In keeping with the our motto “Truth and Service,” the NCCU School of Law Veterans Law Clinic is committed to providing free legal services to low-income veterans who need assistance with discharge upgrades, character of service determinations, and VA compensation and pension claims.
Formerly known as the 3L Practice Rule, the Student Practice Certification Rule, governed by the NC State Bar, allows law students the opportunity to gain practical experience in the practice of law during law school.
Internships for academic credit or “externships” are available to students at the NCCU School of Law through the Clinical Program’s Pathways to Practice (PTP) course.
Our clinical programs are deeply committed to preparing students to become highly skilled lawyers. Clinic clients have limited incomes, and without assistance from the Civil Litigation Clinic, most will not have access to legal representation to help solve their legal problem. By affording clients with legal assistance, students breathe life into our nation’s commitment to “Equal Justice Under the Law.”
Our clinics are also dedicated to supporting the Durham community by serving as a resource for community members and organizations. Our clinics also engage in community education on issues of critical importance to people living in the Durham area.
The Social Justice and Racial Equity Institute (SJREI) is a community research initiative of the North Carolina Central University School of Law.