Clinic Student Spotlight: Patrick Vernoy '24

Which specific clinic are you involved in, and what sort of work are you currently doing in the clinic?

I was involved in the State Income Tax Clinic in Fall 2023. During my time in the clinic, I worked hands-on with clients to resolve their income tax disputes with the State of California. This took the form of developing a strong rapport with my clients, obtaining complete understandings of the factual circumstances surrounding their issues, and based on in-depth legal research, developing robust legal arguments in my clients' favor.

How has the clinic experience benefitted your legal education?

This clinic experience has benefited my legal education by allowing me to obtain more practical experience in counseling and tailoring strategic plans for clients based on their legal issues and desired outcomes.

What are some skills you've gained/honed in your clinic?

During my time in the clinic, I was able to further develop my legal research abilities by performing research in areas of the law that I was not entirely familiar with before starting the clinic. I also was able to strengthen my client communication and counseling skills by dealing with a variety of different clients and distinct legal issues.

Would you recommend the clinic experience for other law students? If so, why?

I would 100% recommend this clinic experience for a handful of reasons. First, I think this is a fantastic opportunity to support those who need legal help in our community and may have nowhere else to go. Second, it is a great opportunity that provides practical experience in representing clients in a diverse range of legal, tax issues. Lastly, the attorney supervisors in this clinic are extremely supportive and devoted to students' legal development.