Children's Rights and Family Law Clinic

Students represent families and children in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies and engage in non-litigation legal advocacy and educational outreach. Students provide services in a variety of areas, including custody and visitation issues, child and spousal support, domestic violence, matrimonial matters, general and special education issues and other children's rights issues. Students also assist clients through the Syracuse University Medical Legal Partnership, a collaborative venture with S.U.N.Y. Upstate Medical University where students address legal needs that impact children's health.

What to expect

CRC is a 2 semester, 6 credit clinic. Students spend 20-25 hours per week on their cases and other clinic-related work. Professional Responsibility is a co-or pre-requisite.

Students will:

• Represent clients in local, state and federal courts and in administrative proceedings.
• Negotiate,argue motions; interview and counsel clients.
• Conduct discovery, legal research and analysis.

In the Classroom

The CRC offers students the opportunity to learn about the following areas of law: matrimonial law, custody and visitation issues, child and spousal support, domestic violence, general and special education issues, adoption, and other children’s rights issues.

"Through the Children's Rights Clinic I gained real litigation experience and an opportunity to serve the Syracuse community." - Courtny J. Osterling Class of '10