What to Expect
Students will investigate cases where the convicted person is claiming actual innocence and litigate where evidence of innocence is discovered. Students will also work on policy projects to prevent wrongful convictions and strengthen opportunities for those who have been wrongfully convicted to have their cases reviewed, as well as educate the community about wrongful convictions, both nationally and in Nebraska.
How to Enroll:
Current Nebraska Law students interested in being part of the Nebraska Innocence Clinic can enroll in the clinic during the acedemic year or during the summer.
Academic Year Expectations
Enrolling during the acedemic year requires 2 semesters, either your 2L Spring & 3L Fall, or your 3L Fall & Spring semesters. We cannot accommodate one semester enrollment during the year.
The Clinic is 6 credits each semester during the academic year, totalling 12 credits.
Based on ABA requirements, that equates to a little over 18 hours each week dedicated to the clinic. 9 of those will be assigned office hours during the week, and a little under 3 hours weekly are dedicated to seminar time.
Prospective students can apply in the spring of the preceding year to enroll in the clinic for either semester the following year.
Summer Semester Expectations
The summer is the only time that you can enroll for one semester.
Students can select between 3 and 6 credits during the summer. The amount of credits selected will determine the number of hours each week and the workload. Office hours and seminar attendance will be expected.
Students can enroll either for their 1L or 2L summers.
Prospective students can apply in the spring for summer clinic.
Required Courses
2Ls:
- Co-requisites: Evidence and Legal Profession
3Ls:
- Prerequisite: Legal Profession
- Co-requisite: Evidence
Questions about NIC can be directed to Professor Elizabeth Cole.
How to Apply:
You can apply using the Midwest Innocence Project's application (also linked below). MIP is partnered with us to conduct intake. With limited exceptions, the prospective client must be the one to fill out the application. Once it is complete, please mail the application to:
Midwest Innocence Project
300 E 39th Street
Kansas City, MO 64111
Midwest Innocence Project Application
If you would like an application, contact us with the prospective client's name and NDCS number via phone, email, or mail. We will mail out an application immediately.
You can contact us through:
Phone: (402)472-5618
Email: innocenceclinic@unl.edu
Mail: Nebraska Innocence Clinic
P.O. Box 830902
Lincoln, NE 68583