Washburn Law Centers, Programs, and Clinical Opportunities
Washburn Law provides a comprehensive educational ecosystem designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice. Through a diverse array of specialized centers and hands-on clinical programs, students can deepen their expertise in specific legal fields while gaining the practical experience necessary for a successful legal career.
Specialized Law Centers
The university hosts several dedicated centers that focus on specific areas of legal scholarship and practice. These centers allow students to engage with complex legal issues and develop specialized knowledge in high-demand sectors.
- Business and Transactional Law Center: Focuses on the legal frameworks governing commerce and corporate transactions.
- Children and Family Law Center: Dedicated to the legal issues surrounding domestic relations and the protection of children.
- Center for Excellence in Advocacy: Emphasizes the development of superior litigation and courtroom skills.
- Center for Law and Government: Explores the intersection of legal systems and public administration.
- Center for Oil and Gas Law: Provides specialized study into the energy sector's regulatory and legal environment.
- Center for International and Comparative Law: Examines legal systems across different jurisdictions and global legal standards.
The Washburn Law Clinic
The Washburn Law Clinic operates as an in-house general practice law firm. This clinical environment allows students to provide actual legal representation under supervision, ensuring they graduate with tangible experience in client management and case strategy.
The clinic offers representation across several practice concentration areas, including:
- Children and Family Law
- Criminal Defense
- State Tribal Court Practice
- Civil Litigation
- Criminal Appellate Advocacy
- Small Business and Transactional Law
Flexible Learning: Third Year Anywhere
To support students' transition into the workforce, Washburn Law offers the Third Year Anywhere Enrollment Option. This program allows selected students to complete an externship—a form of supervised practical training—in the specific geographic area where they intend to practice law after graduation.
Participation in this option is subject to limitations to ensure student safety and the maintenance of educational integrity.
Key Facts
- Washburn Law operates six specialized centers covering areas from Oil and Gas to International Law.
- The Law Clinic functions as a full-service in-house law firm.
- Clinical practice areas include Criminal Defense, Civil Litigation, and State Tribal Court Practice.
- The Third Year Anywhere option enables students to extern in their intended future practice location.
| Category | Offerings / Features |
|---|---|
| Specialized Centers | Business, Children/Family, Advocacy, Law/Government, Oil/Gas, International/Comparative Law |
| Clinic Practice Areas | Criminal Defense, Civil Litigation, Tribal Court, Appellate Advocacy, Small Business, Family Law |
| Experiential Learning | Third Year Anywhere Enrollment Option (Externships) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Washburn Law Clinic?
The clinic functions as an in-house general practice law firm, providing students with the opportunity to represent clients in various legal concentrations.
Which practice areas are covered by the clinic?
The clinic covers Children and Family Law, Criminal Defense, State Tribal Court Practice, Civil Litigation, Criminal Appellate Advocacy, and Small Business and Transactional Law.
What is the Third Year Anywhere Enrollment Option?
It is a program that allows selected students to perform externships in the geographic region where they plan to practice law after they graduate.
Are there restrictions on the Third Year Anywhere program?
Yes, the program is subject to limitations based on educational integrity and the safety of the student.
What specialized centers are available for energy law?
Students interested in energy law can utilize the Center for Oil and Gas Law.