clients . And at the School of Law , we had an outstanding lawyer and teacher on our faculty , Professor Meyers , with expertise and experience in practicing family law , who was also excited about using clinical teaching methodology to benefit our students ’ learning in this area . It has been an ideal combination of need , talent , interest , and opportunity .”
McGinniss ’ thinking tracked that of legal scholars at some of the best law schools in the country . In creating a clinical practicum focused on family law-related issues , UND joined top-ranked law schools like Harvard , Columbia , New York University , Georgetown , and the University of Texas , all of which have clinical education programs devoted to topics similar to UND ’ s program .
Members of the state bar also agree a family law clinic is highly valuable , especially in North Dakota . Northeast Central District Court Judge Jason McCarthy stresses the need for pro-bono family law legal services in North Dakota . “ Access to legal services in domestic and guardianship proceedings is vital to litigants and to all who are impacted by rulings in these significant cases . The need for pro-bono family law legal services in North Dakota cannot be understated . Thankfully , here in the Northeast Central Judicial District , the UND Family Law Clinical Practicum provides high quality legal representation to those in need ,” said McCarthy . “ However , the need for more attorneys to lend a hand and assist remains here in Grand Forks and throughout North Dakota . Kudos to Professor Meyers for her leadership in addressing this significant issue .”
Scott Jensen , an attorney and mediator in Grand Forks agrees . “ People with family law disputes are the most likely to be unrepresented of all the types of litigants that we see . Their issues are perhaps the most important to them that they will ever face . Pairing those people with law students in a clinical setting serves both groups well ,” Jensen said .
Law students also praise the clinical practicum . Third-year law student Gabrielle Wolf , a certified student attorney in the practicum , reflects , “ The Family Law Clinical Practicum has served as one of my most rewarding law school experiences . The practicum has provided me with many valuable learning opportunities , from working with clients , making court appearances , negotiating in mediation , and expanding upon my legal writing and oral advocacy skills . I have greatly enjoyed my time in the practicum under the mentorship of Professor Meyers , assisting in Family Law cases , and providing legal services to those in need .”
The story of the Family Law Clinical Practicum at UND School of Law is a story of promises fulfilled . A promise from the state bar and the state legislature to support clinical legal education . A promise from the school of law to serve the needs of its students and North Dakotans more broadly . And a promise from all members of the legal profession to work towards adequate representation for those most in need .
1 . Legal Services Corporation , Section 3 : The Prevalence of Civil Legal Problems , in THE 2022 JUSTICE GAP STUDY ( 2022 ), https :// justicegap . lsc . gov / resource / section-3-the-prevalence-of-civillegal-problems /
“ Wick ’ s calm demeanor definitely helps to keep the discussions moving and on track . He also has good insight , something my clients really appreciate .”
Nathan Severson , Fargo , ND
WINTER 2023 19