Law Clinics

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 experience courtroom drama 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 five distinct practice areas -- Civil law, Criminal law, Tax law, Juvenile law, 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 six 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 misdemeanors and minor felonies, negotiate with local prosecutors, evaluate evidence, assess the strength of their cases, and proceed to court.
Supervising Faculty Attorney: Dave Welter

Civil Clinic

Valparaiso Law students represent their clients in common causes such as divorce, adoption, guardianship, and consumer complaints. This clinic provides students with an understanding of how laws impact the most personal aspects of people's lives.
Supervising Faculty Attorney: Marcia Gienapp

Juvenile Clinic

Appointed by the Lake County Juvenile Court to represent children who have been abused or neglected. Students learn quickly how to handle this kind of heart-breaking work in their professional careers.
Supervising Faculty Attorney: Gail Tegarden

Juvenile and Adult Justice Clinic

Students represent children involved in delinquency proceedings in the juvenile justice system and adults in the criminal justice system in Porter and LaPorte counties. The nature of the caseload varies but may include contested hearings, pleas, trial and appeals.
Supervising Faculty Attorney: Geneva Brown

Mediation Clinic

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

Sports Law Clinic

The newest addition to our clinical offerings is the new Sports Law Clinic at Valparaiso University School of Law. 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

 

"At Valpo Law, you get invaluable hands-on experience. The Clinics give you a license to practice law, represent clients and find direction for your career. Students here experience the full spectrum of the law."

Michael Story, '02
Lawyer
Beckman Lawson, LLP
Fort Wayne, IN