Criminal Defense Clinic

UCLA School of Law’s Criminal Defense Clinic (“CDC”) examines the role of the defense lawyer in the criminal justice process.  The central feature of this clinical course is the CDC’s work providing zealous, client-centered legal representation at different stages in the criminal process, including at trial and sentencing, as well as in collateral and post-conviction proceedings.  In collaboration with community members and service providers, the CDC also takes on policy projects that address systemic criminal justice problems.  A focus of our work over the years has been addressing the increasing intersection between the criminal and immigration systems.

This graded, six-unit clinical course is limited to a maximum of eight students.  Enrollment is by application.  A significant out-of-class time commitment is required.  The class seminar, which meets twice each week, covers both substantive and technical aspects of criminal defense practice.To learn more about the Criminal Defense Clinic, please visit our webpage.