Jim Hartle

The Criminal Defense Clinic served me well as a valuable stepping-stone from the world of legal theory to the world of legal practice, all while allowing me to help real people deal with difficult legal problems. Because the human element becomes front-and-center when navigating the criminal justice system, the Clinic and its wonderful supervising attorneys provide a unique opportunity for students to learn how to walk the tightrope inherent in being an ethical advocate. The Clinic had me engaging in difficult discussions with clients and high-stakes negotiations with prosecutors, and my time working in the Clinic stands out to me as the most memorable and rewarding experience I have had in law school to date.