Elizabeth Cole

Elizabeth (Liz) Cole joined the faculty in 2024 as the Director of the Innocence Clinic. Prior to joining the College of Law, she was the Clinical Teaching Fellow at the University of Michigan Law School's Michigan Innocence Clinic. She previously worked in criminal defense, both as a public defender and private counsel in the Pittsburgh PA area. During law school, Liz also interned for public defender offices in Baltimore MD and the greater Boston MA area, as well as for the Michigan Innocence Clinic. 

Liz received a BA in English and Art History from Fordham University, and her JD from Boston College Law School. In 2019, Liz received the Lewis S. Gurwitz Award for Selfless Commitment to the Defense of those who Lack the Resources to Defend Themselves.

Innocence Clinic Law 657C (3-6 cr hr)
Under supervision of the clinic director, represent clients who have been convicted of crimes and have credible claims of actual innocence. Investigate and litigate cases in state post-conviction and federal habeas proceedings, assisting in all aspects of assigned cases including reviewing trial transcripts and case files, visiting incarcerated clients, interviewing witnesses, collecting records, consulting subject matter experts, conducting legal research, drafting pleadings, and attending court hearings. This work provides dynamic real-life experience and immersive training for diverse practical lawyering skills. The following lawyering skills are developed: problem solving, legal analysis and reasoning, legal research, factual investigation, witness interviewing, oral and written communication, litigation, and organization and management of legal work.