MSU College of Law
Plea & Sentencing Clinic
Clinician Commitment

COURSE REQUIREMENTS – 4 CREDITS
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Prerequisite : Criminal Law, RWA I + II
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Mandatory classroom instruction.


Like an externship—students are required to work
210 clinical hours (minimum), approximately 16 hours
each week.
Unlike an externship—student’s performance will
receive a letter grade.
Clinician Experience

HANDS-ON PRACTICAL LEGAL EXPERIENCE

Clinicians practice under the supervision of a licensed attorney
pursuant to Michigan Student Practice Court Rule 8.120.

Clinician experience combines traditional classroom instruction
with ‘experiential’ learning opportunities.

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In collaboration with the State Appellate Defenders Office
(“SADO”), Clinicians provide legal assistants to indigent inmates
within county jails or the Michigan Dept of Corrections as to
appellate risks and options; investigate case facts, draft motions,
briefs, legal memoranda for court filing; and students will be
included in court hearings to the extent possible.
Clinicians develop practical lawyering skills in problem solving,
law office management, and client representation (prepare a plea
unit pleading and/or present a formal oral argument).
Application Process


Interested students will be required to
complete an application during the
semester prior to the one in which they
wish to attend.
Selected applicants will be notified prior to
registration.
Contact Info
Christopher Smith
Adjunct Clinical Professor
State Appellate Defenders Office
101 N Washington, 14th Fl
Lansing MI 48913
517/334-6069
517/334-6987 fax
CSmith@sado.org