“Over the past 30 years, I have hired law clerks and recent law graduates and have the opportunity to review many resumes. One of the first items that I search for is clinical experience in law school because we then know that the new associate will have had actual experience practicing law and representing clients in real-life cases. That's a huge advantage.”
Daniel R. Ortega, Jr.
Ortega Law Firm P.C.
“Participating in the Civil Clinic was among the most beneficial experiences I had during law school. It provided me with the opportunity to gain a real-world understanding of the everyday aspects of the life of a lawyer, including interacting with clients, evaluating the merits of a case, researching new areas of law and developing arguments for hearings, complaints and motions. Through the real cases and simulations in class, along with the invaluable feedback from some of the best trial lawyers on our faculty, I became more confident in the ability to seamlessly transition into the role of an attorney. I would recommend that everyone seriously consider participating in this wonderful program.”
Alicia Elliott
J.D., Class of 2008
“Learning requires the application of concepts to real work. A hypothetical can only get you so far—Join the clinic and lock-in your learning. The clinic took me from administrative hearings to the Arizona Court of Appeals. The clinic was a highlight of my legal education.”
Tonya K. MacBeth
Burch & Cracchilo
“I continue to make Civil Justice Clinic my top recommendation to all aspiring attorneys… As an inexperienced associate, the job can be overwhelming at times ... [t]he Clinic is my beacon to an ideal practice.”
J. Garvey
Class of 2005
“My clinic experience was a great help when I began practicing. My first week at the firm, I was asked to conduct witness interviews—a skill I learned and practiced first in the Civil Clinic. In addition, the clinic prepared me to interact effectively with opposing counsel and clients. I was able to transition easily from managing cases and case-related communications in clinic, to handling cases and case-related communications at the law firm.”
Kiersten Murphy
Class of 2003
“Serving in the Civil Law Clinic was one of my most rewarding experiences at ASU Law. Law School trains you how to think like a lawyer – the Civil Law Clinic was my first opportunity to act as a lawyer by representing real people with real problems. During my time at the clinic, I experienced several firsts: interviewing potential clients, managing multiple cases, performing discovery, conducting a deposition, participating in a mediation, and winning cases, which provided real money to our clients. Moreover, the instructors were amazing. They combined constructive (sometimes strikingly brutal) criticism with continued encouragement all with the goal of making me a better attorney. I like to think they succeeded. Most importantly, I developed a lifelong friendship with both classmates and professors at the Clinic. The Civil Law Clinic provided me invaluable experience and confidence that helped me get to where I am today.”
Doug Magnuson
Career Law Clerk to the Honorable Brenda K. Martin
U.S. Bankruptcy Court - Phoenix
Class of 2004
