UH Law School earned a B+ rating as one of the nation’s best schools for practical training in the latest survey by preLaw magazine.
In the Spring 2021 issue of the magazine designed for students applying to law school, the William S. Richardson School of Law was one of 65 schools receiving top marks for practical training options.
Dean Camille Nelson called the rating a gratifying validation of some of the outstanding opportunities offered at Richardson.
“The rating confirms the quality experiential learning opportunities provided by the stellar faculty at Richardson Law. The faculty and fellows leading our clinics and externships are to be commended for their work, reach, and commitment. The students who engage in these learning opportunities are enriched by the chance to gain real-life practical training while serving clients.”
A new two-year-old clinical building at Richardson has dramatically expanded the school’s ability to offer space for clinics and the community clients they serve. But this year has been unusual since the pandemic has kept the new building from being fully utilized.
The hands-on experience in a clinic is something that students find both empowering and challenging as they deal with real life issues. At Richardson, for instance, students in the Immigration & Refugee Law Clinic go to court with clients to prevent their deportation. Often those clients are young people who have escaped frightening circumstances in their home countries.
“The people I have been privileged to work with have helped me tremendously,” said Taylor Brack ’19 who worked with the immigration clinic even before graduation, and has continued with it as a graduate.
“In these past two years, our clients have taught me so much about the type of attorney I want to be,” added Brack in an email. “For one, I have learned that tenacity and empathy can take me very far when dealing with difficult circumstances outside of my control. Despite the frustrations that I have experienced, I still can’t help but feel like our work is not done in vain.”
In developing the rankings, preLaw graded schools on several data points, including clinics, externships, simulation courses, pro bono hours and moot trial participation. The heaviest weighting went to clinics, with extra credit going to schools where clinic work was required. It is required at UH Law School.