Student Perspectives
"Working in the Clinic has proved to be the most valuable and memorable experience I have gained thus far in law school. I have had the opportunity to work with several reputable civil rights organizations throughout the duration of the Clinic. In doing so, we filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court of the United States and were fortunate enough to hear the case we worked tirelessly on argued before the Supreme Court. It is a powerful feeling to know that we, as law students, have advocated on behalf of the civil rights community at such a prestigious level."
Malena Kinsman, Class of 2011
Spring 2010 — Civil Rights Appellate Clinic
"The ability to participate in the federal appellate process has been one of the most rewarding and thought-provoking experiences I have had in law school. Furthermore, the Civil Rights Appellate Clinic allows students to work together in order to help protect and strengthen civil rights."
Daniel Carlton, Class of 2010
Spring 2010 — Civil Rights Appellate Clinic
"The clinic reminded me of why I wanted to practice law in the first place. Before coming to law school, I dreamed of filing briefs with the Supreme Court and fighting for civil rights. But during law school, it is easy to get caught up in the everyday grind of classes and you can forget what made you want to come to begin with. Participating in the clinic is like a splash of cold water on your face. I specifically remember thinking at one point during the semester, 'Oh yeah, this is why I came to law school.'"
Jason Sabol, Class of 2010
Spring 2010 — Civil Rights Appellate Clinic
"This clinic is excellent preparation for practice. I have worked harder, and gotten more benefit from the clinic than from any other thing in which I have participated in law school. I have gotten very frustrated, even to the point of tears, and yet, I have loved every minute."
N. Daniel Reeder, Class of 2010
Spring 2010 — Civil Rights Appellate Clinic
"The clinic has been the most valuable experience I've had in law school. The level and quality of work we've done is unparalleled, and nothing compares to the intellectual challenge and the feeling of having a real impact on such important cases."
Danya Ahmed, Class of 2010
Spring 2010 — Civil Rights Appellate Clinic
“The knowledge and experience I gained in the clinic will be one of the most useful tools I will take with me into my own practice. It taught me how to dissect complex legal issues and craft a strong written work product that will be read at United States Supreme Court. While the work was demanding, it was my most rewarding experience in law school and gave me confidence moving forward in my career.”
Valerie M. Eifert, Class of 2010
Spring 2010 — Civil Rights Appellate Clinic
"The clinic exemplifies what law school should be about -- preventing harassment of minority shoppers, protecting an applicant's ability to be judged solely on job skill, and generally ensuring that the rights of the underprivileged are protected."
Kendrick Donnelly, Class of 2010
Spring 2009 — Civil Rights Appellate Clinic
“For me it was the single most rewarding experience in law school, and is something every employer asks about in an interview. After talking to several other graduates here in Denver, it seems the consensus is that employers are looking for students who have worked in a clinic during law school. I am thankful that I was able to take part in a clinic that provided such a meaningful and rewarding experience. The legal analysis was exceptionally challenging, and Professor Foreman created an environment similar to a law firm; we were expected to produce a superior quality product.”
Terrence Burke, Class of 2009
Spring 2009 — Civil Rights Appellate Clinic
"Participating in this clinic was by far one of the most, if not the most, rewarding experiences I had in law school. I gained insight into the rigorous practice of appellate law through working with the clinic director, fellow students, and non-profit and private practice appellate attorneys. The issues we tackled were at times esoteric, and always intellectually challenging. I further enhanced my research and writing skills, as well as acquired insight into the practical demands of practicing law, and how that influences the approach you take to handling a case. While it seems daunting, in the end, sitting in on a Supreme Court oral argument and listening to the Court and attorneys discuss a case in which you wrote a brief, is incredibly satisfying. I recommend the clinic to every student. It is an experience that pushes you, but rewards you even more."
Brian Bevan, Class of 2009
Spring 2009 — Civil Rights Appellate Clinic
"The Penn State Dickinson Civil Rights Appellate Clinic gives students the opportunity to work in an authentic appellate practice setting, answering difficult policy questions that have practical real world effects."
Bret Shaffer, Class of 2010
Fall 2009 — Civil Rights Appellate Clinic
"It is very satisfying to know that our work involves important issues before the Supreme Court."
Matthew D. Vodzak, Class of 2010
Research Editor, The Penn State Law Review
Fall 2009 — Civil Rights Appellate Clinic
“During my two semesters with the Civil Rights Clinic, I had the opportunity to collaborate with civil rights organizations and top law firms to craft arguments for amicus briefs before the Supreme Court. Clinic students do not simply write memos; we are responsible for researching, drafting, and editing briefs. Working under the expert direction of Professor Foreman, clinic students analyze a case, discuss the impact of precedent, and consider whether policy arguments would be effective. In every way, the Clinic presents a realistic view of appellate practice.”
Andrew Schnitzel '10
Fall 2009 — Civil Rights Appellate Clinic
“Participating in the clinic was an amazing opportunity and excellent training tool to prepare me to be an advocate at the appellate level. Through individual research, collaborative writing, and intensive editing sessions, the clinic composed high quality work of which we can each be proud to have contributed.”
Alina Kline '10
Fall 2009 — Civil Rights Appellate Clinic
