The Criminal Clinic at the University of Nebraska College of Law is one of the few prosecution clinics in the country. As such, students get first-hand experience with and invaluable insight into how the government puts together a criminal case – from initial charging decisions to ultimate case resolution. After the initial training seminars, students spend the remainder of the semester working at the local prosecutor’s office where they prosecute misdemeanor and low-grade felony cases under the direct supervision of the faculty instructor. Students are responsible for every aspect of their assigned cases and appear numerous times in court to conduct hearings on those cases. Additionally, every student conducts initial arraignments (first appearances) for misdemeanor, traffic and felony offenses.
John D. Icenogle, Class 0f 2016
Kearney, NE
The Criminal Clinic taught me more about the legal profession than any other course in law school. During my time in the clinic I found myself in the courtroom on a regular basis. For those looking at going into litigation, the Criminal Clinic is a must. It provides the most time in front of a judge where a student will learn by doing. I was incredibly nervous my first time doing a hearing, but by the end of the clinic I was confident and relaxed. I was able to see how my knowledge from Evidence, Criminal Procedure, and Trial Advocacy would be applied on an actual case. The clinic taught me how a criminal case works its way through the system, how to prosecute a case, and how to work with other attorneys who are usually on the opposing side. While I learned a lot from the clinic, I also found it to be incredibly fun. I came to law school to become a trial attorney and this was my first chance to experience it.