Valparaiso University School of Law Clinical Program

If you are seeking legal assistance, please contact the Law Clinic directly at 219-465-7903.

The Valparaiso University School of Law Clinic, our own law firm, gives you the unique opportunity to represent clients before you become a practicing lawyer. Dedicated to providing free legal services to disadvantaged members of the community, each year the clinic handles around 700 cases.

With a special license from the Indiana Supreme Court, you will practice law and represent clients in court. You'll choose from eight distinct practice areas -- Civil law, Criminal law, Tax law, Juvenile law, Sports law, Domestic Violence, Wrongful Conviction and Mediation. Our Clinic will strengthen your ability to uphold the law, give you the rewarding sense of helping others, and add practical experience to your resume.

The Clinics

Valparaiso University School of Law currently offers eight clinics for you to practice law in, gain valuable experience and help those who are unable to otherwise afford counsel.

Criminal Clinic
Valparaiso Law students represent clients charged with various misdemeanors and felonies. Representation includes pretrial discovery, motions and hearings, including trial.
Supervising Faculty Attorney: Dave Welter

Civil Clinic
Valparaiso Law students represent their clients in civil matters such as landlord-tenant, small claims, consumer and debt collection cases.  In addition, students represent clients in all areas of family law including adoption, guardianship, divorce, child support and visitation.
Supervising Faculty Attorney: Marcia Gienapp

Juvenile Clinic
Students are appointed to serve as guardian ad litem for children who have been abused and neglected and children involved in custody and visitation issues in guardianship, paternity and adoption cases.  Students also serve as public defenders for children in delinquency cases.
Supervising Faculty Attorney: Gail Tegarden

Domestic Violence Clinic
Student Attorneys will assist victims of domestic violence who are seeking temporary or permanent restraining orders, provide advice and represent victims in court, and provide legal assistance to residents of domestic violence shelters.
Supervising Faculty Attorney: Geneva Brown

Mediation Clinic
Resolving disputes before they reach the courtroom is an essential part of the practice of law. Valparaiso Law students hone their negotiation skills by mediating cases each week in local small claims court.
Supervising Faculty Attorney: Barbara Schmidt

Sports Law Clinic  For more information on the Sports Law Clinic, visit the Sports Law Clinic website.
Supervising Faculty Attorney: Michael Straubel

Tax Clinic
Valparaiso Law students represent low-income clients in Federal income tax controversy cases, both at the administrative level (IRS) and U.S. Tax Court, providing much needed counsel to people most in need.
Supervising Faculty Attorney: Paul Kohlhoff

Wrongful Conviction Clinic
Students will investigate and litigate claims of wrongful conviction and unjust sentences.  They will assist clients with post-conviction litigation which will include investigating new evidence claims, filing and litigating, post-conviction petitions, habeas petitions, and motions for sentence modification.  Students will spend the majority of time doing research, writing, and investigation.
Supervising Faculty Attorneys:  David Vandercoy and Geneva Brown