The Civil and Human Rights Advocacy Clinic focuses on policy and advocacy as it relates to systemic injustices impacting race, gender, and poverty, including concerns over access to justice, criminal justice, and individual and systemic discrimination. Other types of cases are also considered, especially as they relate to constitutional matters and governmental overreach. Through the clinic, second and third-year law student interns learn about civil and human rights law, engage in historical and interdisciplinary research that bears on civil and human rights claims, and explore ethical dimensions of civil and human rights advocacy.
Examples of our work include:
- writing of amicus curiae (friend of the court) briefs
- collaborating with other civil and human rights organizations in advocacy work
- providing research for white papers and reports
- advocating for legislative and policy reform.
The clinic enables students to learn about the legal theories, advocacy strategies, and practices used by civil and human rights attorneys to identify, investigate, and challenge laws and policies burdening historically marginalized and traditionally disadvantaged groups. The course includes a dedicated seminar component for case review, reflection, and other training.
If you are interested in working with the Civil and Human Rights Advocacy Clinic, please call 509-313-5791 or email Jason Gillmer at gillmer@gonzaga.edu