University of the District of Columbia - David A. Clarke School of Law

The David A. Clarke School of Law at the University of the District of Columbia is founded on an “enthusiasm for equality and justice.” It’s a small school, one of only six ABA-accredited law schools at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The school offers training to those underrepresented at the bar. Its mission is “to serve the public and equip lawyers who will promote social justice.” Students don’t just study law, but “learn how to make the legal system work for the most vulnerable populations in our society.” UDC is “on the cutting-edge of clinical practice.” There’s a required 700 hours of clinical experience, within which are a “great variety” of fields to choose from. In clinic, students are responsible for their own cases and clients and “have a chance to hone their research and writing skills.” Unique to UDC School of Law is a “complete public interest focus and a commitment to serving the impoverished.” The school operates by the credo, “Tolerance, service, and commitment to ensuring equal access to justice.” After graduation, students say “have an edge over other law students because I will be going into a position knowing how to operate as a lawyer already; not in just a theoretical way.“
“Our professors are committed to educating the next generation of public interest lawyers.” “They are by far the best thing going for the institution. Their experience and expertise is priceless.” Professors choose to teach at UDC School of Law because they believe in its mission. They’re “truly passionate” and try to prepare students for the “issues most of us will face as public interest attorneys.” “I had the opportunity to learn from a D.C. Superior Court Judge, a nationally renowned civil rights attorney whose record and experience comprise nearly fifty years of service to the profession and to society, and an Ivy League–educated criminal defense superstar from D.C.’s Public Defender Service.” These professors represent the “spirit of tolerance, dedication, and advocacy.” The curriculum is “designed to equip each graduate with not merely an intellectual grasp of the law, but also the skills required to make practice of the law a reality.” Students feel prepared for the real world of law outside the doors of UDC and also praise the professors’ “compassion for humanity.”
Students are divided on the usefulness of the administration. One says they’re both “helpful” and “attentive,” and another claims they do a good job “making the school feel like a community.” One of the common complaints about the administration is the lack of very strong communication skills when it comes to announcements to the whole school, such as events being held on campus, typically there is not sufficient notice given to students in order to allow the students to change their schedule accordingly.” Part-time students would like more opportunities to fulfill the clinical requirement and participate in student organizations. Another claims, “The administration here knows individuals by name, and it is not uncommon for an administrator to e-mail an important deadline reminder to a forgetful student.”
With a move to a “beautiful” new building in 2011, UDC alleviated previous concerns about space and facilities. “Our new moot courtroom has amazing resources and nice aesthetics.” The law library is “full of resources and staffed with highly trained, friendly librarians. “ One student says, “I’ve never had an instance where I was unable to find a research tool I needed.” Another student claims the library as a “second home.”

Students “come in all shades, ages, income levels, and backgrounds.” UDC law is left-leaning, and no matter what your ethnicity or sexual orientation may be, you’ll fit in well, as diversity is the school’s “greatest strength.” The atmosphere is “noncompetitive” and, “UDC-DCSL doesn’t keep class ranks, because, well, everyone is encouraged to succeed.” Students say it’s an “extremely positive environment.” Fellow classmates “help each other succeed” and, even more, are “invested” in that success. “I never feel isolated,” another student adds.
The student body is comprised of a mix of “direct from undergraduate” and those “that are several years removed.” Night students typically “drive to school from their jobs in D.C., VA, and MD.” Students love D.C. for the location! The school is “minutes from the historic streets and monuments of downtown D.C. The location is great for available transportation, travel to the many other D.C. law schools and colleges, and all types of recreation and entertainment for singles, couples, families, and the young at heart.”