Law School Family Law Clinical Practicum : A year in review
By Ariana Meyers
Family-related legal issues remain common , including for families in our state . According to the 2023 North Dakota Court System Annual Report , “ family-related appeals remained consistent at 62 cases as compared to 63 in 2022 . Family-related appeals remain the largest percentage of civil filings . They accounted for 16 % of the civil filings and 24 % of the overall filings .” 1
The UND School of Law launched the Family Law Clinical Practicum in fall 2020 . Family Law Clinical Practicum students advocate for clients in mediation as well as in the courtroom . The clinical practicum provides representation in divorce , custody , guardianship , domestic violence protection order , and disorderly conduct restraining order matters . Our legal services are provided pro bono . Second- and third-year law students are eligible to apply for the course . Over the past year , the Family Law Clinical Practicum grew to nine students .
Over the course of the current academic year , the Family Law Clinical Practicum students represented clients in seven contested matters : including six juvenile guardianships and a residential responsibility case . The students drafted motions , corresponded with opposing counsel and clients , conducted client meetings , advocated in mediation and settlement discussions , and prepared clients and witnesses for trial and trial representation by examining witnesses and entering exhibits . Students tracked their time spent working on the files using digital law practice management software . In total , the students provided 679.5 hours of pro bono work , at no cost to any client . The Family Law Clinical Practicum has 36 potential clients on the waitlist for family law services in the Northeast Central Judicial District .
A Family Law Clinical Practicum client proclaimed their appreciation for the pro bono services provided by the students . “ The dedication , professionalism , and countless hours on my case have not only guided me through a complex legal process but have also relieved so much of the stress and uncertainty that comes with these situations . This program is truly remarkable and went far beyond what I could have expected . The commitment to my case , along with their compassionate demeanor , made me feel valued and supported every step of the way . They have always listened to my concerns and responded quickly with clear explanations and advice that reassured me that my child and I were in good hands . The empathy and understanding during what was undoubtedly a challenging time for me made a significant difference and will not ever be forgotten ,” the client stated .
Law students are appreciative of their experience in the Family Law
Clinical Practicum . Second-year law student Derek Chamberlain , a student in the practicum , stated , “ The Family Law Clinical Practicum has been the best opportunity to gain experience with real clients .”
Second-year law student JP Ely , a student in the practicum , stated , “ One of the most important learning moments for me this year was when I realized how long it can take to put together something like an exhibit list . In law school , we are taught more about the doctrinal side of the law and less about what it takes to take a case to trial . It amazed me how much each potential exhibit needed to be evaluated to determine how much value it was going to add to the record . This made me realize how many hours are required to truly be prepared for a trial .”
AnneMarie Studer , May 2024 graduate and former student in the practicum , reflects , “ Over the past two years , my experience in the practicum has been invaluable and provided me with the ability to advocate for clients in various settings , both inside and outside of the courtroom . Through the practicum , I have gained practical skills not available elsewhere during law school , which will help me as I begin practice as an attorney .”
The Family Law Clinical Practicum continues to serve the needs of our students and community in need of family law services . The Family Law Clinical Practicum is appreciative of SBAND , the state legislature , and our alumni for their continued support of our endeavors to provide our students with clinical legal education opportunities and pro bono family law legal services to the state of North Dakota .
1 . 2023 North Dakota Court System Annual Report .
Ariana Meyers is the Family Law Clinical Practicum Family Supervisor and assistant professor of law at the UND School of Law .
20 THE GAVEL