Student-attorneys in MIPC will represent clients who maintain their innocence but have been convicted of serious crimes in Maryland state courts. Under the supervision of an experienced criminal defense attorney, students will review records, interview clients and witnesses, conduct legal research, file Maryland Public Information Act Requests, and devise and implement investigative strategies. Students may also draft pleadings and argue motions in cases involving claims of wrongful conviction. Students will develop an understanding of all phases of a criminal case with particular emphasis on the post-conviction process (legal advocacy after a client has been convicted and completed the direct appeal process) and the various scientific issues that have emerged that impact the reliability of eyewitness identification, forensic evidence, and police interrogation methods. Student-attorneys will practice holistic “client-centered” representation, tailoring their strategy to the goals of each individual client.
MIPC includes a seminar component. In seminar, students will be introduced to the criminal legal system and criminal defense practice. The seminar will cover relevant substantive law, post-conviction litigation lawyering skill-building, and a critical look at the criminal legal system that produces wrongful convictions.
Upon completion of the clinic, student-attorneys are expected to have developed a comprehensive skillset in client-centered defense practice, including learning how to
- Develop an investigative plan based on your understanding of the facts of the case and execute the investigative plan, adjusting as facts develop.
- Build a client-centered relationship with your client(s) and maintain an effective relationship with witnesses.
- Learn to evaluate your client’s various legal options based on the facts of the case, your client’s goals, and the available legal avenues for relief.
- Create and execute an interview plan that you will use to interview your client and witnesses.
- Counsel your client about their legal options and the benefits and limitations of each in the context of their case.
- Develop a case theory that combines the facts developed through the record and your investigation with the law.
- Analyze the relevant facts and law and assess the strengths and weaknesses of different legal theories to determine your case strategy.
- Advocate and communicate effectively with various parties including your client, witnesses, opposing counsel, experts, investigators, the Court, court personnel, and Department of Corrections staff.
- Organize and maintain your case file.
- Manage your time and cases to meet your deadlines and create professional work product.
- Collaborate effectively with team members, classmates, and supervisors.
- Understand your obligations under the rules of professional responsibility and act in accordance with them.
- Think critically about the role of systemic racism in our criminal justice system and in your individual cases.
- Identify, examine, reflect, and challenge your personal biases and assumptions and always demonstrate respectful engagement.
Students who enroll in this clinic are required to have taken criminal procedure and evidence as pre-requisites. Evidence, but not criminal procedure, can be taken as a co-requisite in the fall semester.
This course is a full-year clinic, in which students enroll for 4 credits in the fall and 4 credits in the spring. Students enrolled in this clinic will be required to attend in-person clinic orientation on Friday, August 22, 2025, in addition to any clinic-specific orientation that the professor may schedule.
P: criminal procedure
P/C: Evidence (if taking as a co-req, must be taken in the fall)