Under the supervision of experienced attorneys, Certified Limited Practice Students who participate in the Prosecution Clinic prosecute both misdemeanor and felony cases in Maricopa County and city courts. Students are responsible for a full range of trial-related tasks. They are initially assigned minor trials, then more difficult cases as the semester progresses. By the end of the semester, students may have an opportunity to participate in at least one jury trial.
Prosecution Clinic
What students do:
Criminal cases are assigned to students who are then responsible for preparing cases for trial and trying cases, if necessary. Classroom work helps equip students with the necessary skills needed for the courtroom, such as preparing opening statements, direct examination, cross-examination, and closing arguments.
It is the goal of this clinic for each student to receive the maximum amount of in-court trial experience. By the end of the semester each student should have the opportunity to participate in at least one jury trial. Criminal cases are assigned to students and the student has the responsibility to prepare the case for trial and try the case if necessary. Students are placed in various offices, and work under the supervision of experienced prosecutors.
Course information
The Prosecution Clinic is a one-semester course.
- Credits: six credits (three graded and three pass/fail)
- Pre-Requisite: Evidence / Pre- or Co-Requisite(s): Civil Procedure, Criminal Law and Professional Responsibility
- Trial Advocacy may not be taken the same semester as this clinic
- For summer clinic only - Rising 2L's cannot apply
Time commitment
- Students must work a minimum of 260 hours per semester with their assigned agency plus class time which is two to four hours per week.
- Fall or Spring Semester – Minimum of 20 hours per week with agency. Students must be available to work full days on Tuesday and Thursday, plus one additional half-day during the week plus two to four hours of class time each week.
- Summer Semester - Students will work full-time, Monday through Friday plus four hours of class time each week.
Student application deadlines
Students may apply via Atlas during the application period listed below.
**IMPORTANT!* - Externships and Clinics – Students who have applied for an externship or clinic and been accepted may decline upon offer without consequence. However, once a student has accepted an externship or clinic, any student who drops the externship or clinic without prior approval by the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs will be subject to the 12-month ban.
Kelly Hynek, Prosecution Clinic
"While some law school programs, extracurriculars, and accolades are guilty of providing little more than resume padding once completed, clinics stand apart by not only making you look like a better lawyer, but by making you a better lawyer. Even though I have completed multiple internships outside of the clinic setting, the added value of the clinic was immense. Instead of being relegated to legal research projects, I was empowered to participate in litigation and develop my own voice in the courtroom. I was given real responsibility along with specific guidance that went well beyond what any of my other courses could provide. My clinic experience allowed me to shake out any nerves I had about appearing in court and reassured me that I have what it takes to be a great litigator."
Our People
Ken Vick
Prosecution Clinic Director
Faculty Associate