Just like a rare classic car that is more than a mode of transportation, American University Law School’s Legal Clinic is more than a test of a young attorney’s theoretical knowledge. It is a real world investment of passion and energy with the expectation of results. Instead of just recognition, these clinics are the go-to hands-on law school experience for aspiring lawyers and the community alike.
First, let’s consider the purpose of these legal clinics, the most prominent project on a law student’s “list of things to do” before graduating. The Legal Clinics were created as a way to not only provide legal assistance to underserved members of the community, but also as a vehicle for the students to get experience in the real world of practicing law. It is here that they gain first-hand experience with working clients, making real court appearances, conducting in-depth interviews and depositions and putting their legal writings to the test. Similar to an automotive restoration team, each clinic at AU Law is comprised of a number of specialized teams and sub teams. Attorneys, legal fellows and law students work tirelessly both in a supervisory role and as assistants on individual clients’ legal matters. Here, budding law students perfect their craft and feel increasingly confident in their foundation of legal knowledge and skills as their hands-on education progresses. As with any rare collector’s car, the adjustments, repairs and customizations must be done with meticulous attention to detail. Likewise, AU law student’s and faculty’s attention to detail, with regard to both individual clients’ cases and their legal skills, is key to their success as future lawyers. It is these details that are scrutinized by judges and will determine their success or failure in the future.
When it comes to rare automotive specimens, affordable is not a word you hear often. Non-profit organizations such as the American University Legal Clinic may be the only places where this is not the case. In fact, many AU Law Legal Clinics offer legal services to their clients completely free of charge, eliminating the worry of out-of-pocket while simultaneously providing students with life-long and practical skills. Students of AU Law are not the only beneficiaries of this project. Garage restorations around the country will face additional obstacles, which some merchants have vowed to eliminate. Projects such as these not only strengthen American communities, but also increase their collective strength when joined together to foster the preservation and evolution of justice.
As do rare cars in American garages, AU Law Legal Clinics are needed for the preservation of our past and future. It is the same mindset, even if you are not an avid car enthusiast. These clinics, through their hands-on legal assistance, aim to fill the gaps in the justice system that leave many individuals outside the reach of help in the present and future. In this way, Legal Clinics are the keepers of justice. With any collection, it is common to show off your best vehicles; those that are closest to your heart; those that can make your former boss take a second look: those that are the pride of your garage. This is the same for the success of the AU Legal Clinic. Stories of successes in and out of the courtroom are the prized vehicles to show off to alumni and benefactors. They demonstrate the value of your investment: the stories of how you provided continuous help to fervent clients for years to come; how with your assistance they are now on a path to self-sufficiency; they go from having no clear path for the future to having aspirations that would make any parent proud.
In a similar way, AU Legal Clinics are dedicated to the passions of justice and assistance, and just like collector cars, there is a certain feeling of gratification that comes with having legal justice on your side. However, there is another feeling associated with this passion, which may not be as well known. Passion is also linked to education. Years spent restoring and tinkering on a vehicle is years of hands-on education. How to best prevent rust; how to install electrical wiring to ensure quality connections and full function; how to protect aluminum surfaces from heat and scratches: these are all skill sets acquired during restorations. Likewise, AU law students acquire these types of skills when working through cases at their clinic. Just as car enthusiasts learn about vehicles, students learn about themselves through their experiences in the clinic.
Just as every automotive restoration tells a story, this is the story of every law student and faculty member at AU Law. Over time, they will discover their hidden talents, hone their skills and refine their passion through their personal experiences. As a result, leaders will emerge. And while collectors preserve automotive history, the AU Legal Clinic will be preserving the future to benefit us all. Maybe it’s time we start looking at the AU Law Clinic as an engine of change, a pillar of the community, a vehicle of passion and a not-so-rare classic waiting for a new owner.