MSU Law Clinic

06/06/2025

The Public Defender Clinic was back in the Michigan Court of Appeals this week, with rising 3L Borna Mafie arguing a complex case under the Confrontation Clause of the United States Constitution. Borna was supported by his clinic partner Stephanie Leavens and professor Brad Hall.

Congratulations to Borna on a great first argument, and many thanks to the Court of Appeals for such a welcoming and impactful experience.

04/16/2025

The Public Defender Clinic was highlighted in The State News. The article discusses the important work of the clinic and the student experience.

For the first time at MSU, a law clinic gives students an opportunity to represent clients facing criminal charges.

10/07/2024

Clinic applications for Spring 2025 are due today by 11:59pm. Application information and instructions are available on our website. The application is available in CASE and requires a statement of interest, resume, and law school transcripts (unofficial is acceptable). Please contact Jesse Alvarez with any questions, [email protected].

The Law Clinic is holding an information session for all students interested in enrolling in a clinic for Fall 2024. "Intro to Clinics" will be held on Thursday, February 15th from 12:15pm-1:15pm in room 471. All students interested in participating in a clinic in the fall should attend. The applica...

10/03/2024

The Housing Justice Clinic partnered with the City of Lansing’s Human Relations and Community Services Department to host a Housing Rights and Resource Fair at the Foster Community Center. Clinic students Casey Schafer and Nancy Schiele gave a presentation covering Tenants’ Rights and Fair Housing laws. The event was well attended by local residents and dozens of local service providers. The MSU Law Clinic is engaged in important work in our local community. Thank you to the City of Lansing and especially Joe McDonald for his vision and hard work. We look forward to partnering again in the near future.

09/20/2024

The Law Clinic students were sworn in by Judge Wanda Stokes last week. Our students are ready to represent!

09/19/2024

Congratulations to former Immigration Law Clinic students Julia Alexander and Deirdre Kerins!

Julia Alexander and Deirdre Kerins are both recent MSU College of Law graduates.

09/16/2024

Law Clinic Informational Session

The Law Clinic is holding an informational session for all students interested in enrolling in a clinic for Spring 2025. "Intro to Clinics" will be held on Monday, September 23rd from 12:15pm-1:15pm in room 473. All students interested in participating in a clinic should attend. Application information and instructions are available on our website. The application also requires a statement of interest, resume, and law school transcripts (unofficial is acceptable). Please contact Jesse Alvarez with any questions, [email protected].

The Law Clinic is holding an information session for all students interested in enrolling in a clinic for Fall 2024. "Intro to Clinics" will be held on Thursday, February 15th from 12:15pm-1:15pm in room 471. All students interested in participating in a clinic in the fall should attend. The applica...

09/05/2024

MSU Law Clinic Director Kathryn Fort is featured on MSU Today with Russ White. Professor Fort discusses the new funding received for the Indian Law Clinic and the work of the Law Clinic.

https://msualumnipodcasts.transistor.fm/episodes/msu-s-indian-law-clinic-receives-funding-to-continue-its-mission-of-supporting-native-families-tribes =10m8s

08/22/2024

Please join us in welcoming Jenn Benway to the Law College. Jenn is the new Chance at Childhood Clinic Program Coordinator. The Chance at Childhood Clinic is a collaboration with the School of Social Work. The Clinic pairs law students with social work students and handles custody and guardianship cases. It is designed to strengthen the knowledge base, practice and advocacy skills of masters-level social work students and law students.

Jenn received her undergrad degree from Central Michigan and her Master of Social Work from Michigan State. She worked for 3.5 years at the Eaton County Friend of the Court as an investigator, and for 5 years at the Clinton County Friend of the Court as a caseworker and investigator. She has been at the Michigan State MSW Graduate Office since January 2023 as a graduate advisor and instructor. She participated in the Chance at Childhood Clinic as a student and is excited to be back.

Jenn enjoys spending time in the UP exploring the trails. She also enjoys documentaries and any shows that are criminal in nature, such as Law & Order SVU and Criminal Minds. Her favorite band is The Eagles.

08/20/2024

“We are excited to give MSU law students even more opportunities for hands-on educational opportunities. Law clinics are the gold standard of legal education,” said Kate Fort, Director of the MSU Law Clinics.

The Public Defender Clinic at MSU Law launches this academic year as the first of its kind in Michigan. https://bit.ly/3yTYB8A

08/09/2024

Kate Fort, Clinic Director and Indian Law Clinic Director, is highlighted in MSU Today. The Indian Law Clinic received funding from the NoVo Foundation to continue the important work it is doing across the country.

MSU's Indian Law Clinic in the College of Law has received funding to continue assisting tribes with enforcing the law.