The Jacob Burns Community Legal Clinics

The Jacob Burns Community Legal Clinics were founded in 1971, and were dedicated in 1991 to acknowledge the generous support of Jacob Burns (LLB '24, Hon. LLC '70). A longtime trustee of the University, Burns (1902-1993) was renowned as a lawyer, artist, and philanthropist. GW Law is proud to honor this significant contribution to the "uplifting and maintenance of the legal profession," and his fearless advocacy of the principle of "equal justice under the law." The Jacob Burns Community Legal Clinics vary considerably in purpose, duration, requirements, and duties.

Dean Matthew with members of the The Jacob Burns Community Legal Clinics

Despite their diversity, each Clinic provides an exciting and supportive educational environment in which law students offer vital legal services to people of color and those historically excluded from economic opportunity in Washington, DC and beyond. In the Clinic, students are certified to practice as lawyers in DC, Maryland, and Federal Court and work directly with clients in matters involving criminal defense, transactional law, housing and a dozen practice areas in between. Students get close supervision by law school faculty and gain real world lawyering experience as well as professional development that increases job marketability.

The Jacob Burns Community Legal Clinics operate under the direction of Senior Associate Dean Laurie S. Kohn. The Managing Attorney & Associate Program Director for the Clinics is Andrea R. Johnson, and the Administrative Manager is Milagros Tudela.

 

Contact Us: 2000 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20052 | 202.994.7463 | Hours: Monday-Friday; 9 am-5 pm

Recent News

Jaylah Richie, Sidney Lee, Emma Stinson and Nana-Yaw Owusu

Advocating for Healthier Futures: Environmental Justice Division’s Impactful Submission to HUD on Lead Hazards

November 25, 2024

The Health Equity and Policy Advocacy Clinic recently celebrated a milestone achievement, thanks to the work of our Environmental Justice (EJ) student team.

Facade and pillars of the Supreme Court building

New Administrative Law, Issues, and Appeals Clinic Training the Next Generation of Appellate Litigators

November 15, 2024

GW Law Clinical Program’s new Administrative Law, Issues, and Appeals (ALIA) Clinic, directed by Dean Aram Gavoor, debuted during the Fall 2024 semester.

Clinic students

Vaccine Injury Litigation Clinic Wins $1,000,000 in Client Compensation and Attorneys’ Fees

November 15, 2024

The Vaccine Injury Litigation Clinic (VILC) has represented 20 clients with claims within the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) in the last year.

Community Impact & Newsroom

 

21

Number of GW Law Clinics

50k

Client Service Hours Annually

264

Enrolled Students Annually

25+

Practice Areas

 

 

 

Faculty in the News

"California’s Rent Control Ballot Measure Could Reverberate Across the U.S."

Governing quoted Emily Benfer on the impact of the rising cost of living for millions of Americans.

"Who could get custody of missing Manassas Park mother's baby? Legal expert weighs in"

WJLA-ABC7 quoted Joan Meier on the straightforward argument for custody battles, but included the likelihood of drawn out and “wrenches thrown in the plan.”

Evictions for making too many 911 calls happen. The Justice Department wants it to stop

Emily Benfer told USA Today that crime-free rental ordinances harm communities of color, domestic violence survivors, and low-income populations.

"Court documents show mom of 3-year-old Bay Area girl killed by father requested protection"

KGO-ABC7, San Francisco, quoted Joan Meier on her research on undocumented murders of children by parents after court’s refuse to protect the child.

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