From Classroom to Practice: Classroom and book learning provide the foundation for students to become successful in practice, but are just one aspect of the scope of grasping the law that students need to be successful in the workforce. The faculty at C|M|LAW recognize this and have implemented practical learning within the classroom whenever possible. “We understand and recognize the importance of having students learn in context,” said Carole O. Heyward, Director of Engaged Learning at C|M|LAW. “While they learn doctrinal law in the classroom, it’s really important for students to learn how to apply that law in real-world settings with real-world clients. It’s a very different skill that students need to master to be successful.” When students then return to the classroom setting after an engaged learning experience, they have a better understanding of potential applications for what they are learning. “I could actually picture what I was learning in my head, it wasn’t as theoretical or academic after my externships,” explained Francesla Sequeira, a 2013 graduate who participated in three externships and a clinic at C|M|LAW. “Reading the book or reading the case, I can now imagine where I’ve helped attorneys or dealt with clients. It has helped me understand the material and it also puts into perspective how reading cases is not as important as the skills and rulings you’re trying to pull out of it.”
Exploring Opportunities: Beyond the skills learned through engaged learning opportunities, C|M|LAW students have found these experiences beneficial in allowing them to explore potential career opportunities during their time at law school. Students use the opportunities to confirm their choice in career paths or explore potential areas of interest as they learn what real day-to-day work environments and expectations are like. As such, many C|M|LAW students complete multiple engaged learning opportunities as they explore and refine their future goals. “We all read things and want to practice in a certain area but until you see it firsthand I don’t think you really know. These continued on page 6
Linda Herman Courtrooms can be known to evoke many types of reactions and emotions, but loud applause from an impartial crowd is not usually one of those. However for C|M|LAW student Linda Herman, that very situation transpired during her first court case. Herman’s case came via the C|M|LAW Community Health Advocacy Law Clinic, which offers students the opportunity to provide representation to real clients under the supervision of clinical faculty. Herman was representing a client who was hoping to have her record expunged. The passionate argument Herman made for her client is what led to the outburst from the crowd and a favorable ruling from the judge. “Linda spoke so eloquently and passionately about her client that spontaneous, loud applause erupted in the crowded courtroom,” explained Pamela Daiker-Middaugh, C|M|LAW Clinical Professor of Law and Director of the Pro Bono Program. “In 20 years of teaching and practicing, I don’t think I have ever witnessed a moment so heart-warming.” “My client was a young woman who made some mistakes in the past which were really hindering her ability to move on,” said Herman. “Convincing the court she should have a second chance was a combination of having a great client and a judge who was willing to listen. It was a wonderful experience and a great way to start my legal career. I’ll never forget it.” 5