Information for students
LMU Loyola Law School (LLS) offers third-year day students and fourth-year evening students interested in appellate advocacy the opportunity to participate in the Ninth Circuit Appellate Clinic. Students in this two-semester clinic are appointed by the Court to represent clients with appeals pending before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in civil cases and immigration cases, under the supervision of Prof. Geoff Kehlmann.
In a typical year, students in the clinic draft and file the opening brief on appeal during the fall semester. The answer brief will be filed in December, and the students spend their spring semester drafting the reply brief and preparing for oral argument, which usually takes place in April.
Under the supervision of skilled appellate practitioners, students refine their understanding of how to raise winning arguments on appeal. In strategy sessions, the team evaluates the various arguments that could be raised on appeal and reaches a consensus about which arguments are most compelling.
Application Process
Completed applications will include:
- A brief statement explaining your interest in the clinic
2. Your current resume
3. An unofficial LLS transcript or grade printout
4. A writing sample of no more than 25 pages
5. Names of two references/recommenders
An email requesting applications will be sent to students during the spring semester.
Prerequisites: This is a competitive clinic. Advanced research and writing skills, a keen aptitude for legal analysis, and a strong work ethic are essential for all students who participate in the clinic.
Any questions? Contact Prof. Geoff Kehlmann at Geoffrey.Kehlmann@lls.edu.