University of Montana School of Law
University of Montana
University of Montana School of Law
32 Campus Drive
Missoula, MT 59812
www.umt.edu/law
Law School Pro Bono Programs
Contact Information
Sarah RipponCareer Services Coordinator
sarah.rippon@umontana.edu
(406) 243-5598
Category Type
Public Service Graduation Requirement
Description of Program
The mission of the University of Montana School of Law's required clinical program is to provide for third-year students faculty-supervised, experience-based learning by representing clients in clinics serving the public interest. The clinical program engages students in applying, enhancing, and integrating substantive and skills components of legal education, improves their ability to identify and resolve ethical and professionalism issues, and assesses student performance and the law school's competency-based curriculum. Most students enroll in their first or second choice of clinic.
There are also some pro bono opportunities. The local legal services office recruits students to assist in its pro se family law clinic. Students also provide tax assistance through VITA program, in conjunction with the School of Business.
Location of Program
With Clinical Program. Third year students are required to take one clinic in order to graduate.
Staffing/Management/Oversight
None over and above the clinical faculty.
Funding
The clinics are on hard money.
The law school does not provide financial or administrative assistance for faculty pro bono work.
Student Run Pro Bono Groups/Specialized Law Education Projects
Family Law Advice Clinic – Montana Legal Services organizes and runs this non-credit opportunity for students to help the legal services attorneys help families.Street Law Project – The Street Law Project is designed to educate middle school and high school students about different areas of law. Law students work with educators to provide classroom presentations, mock trials and other activities.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) – Students with an interest in tax law arrange income tax preparation assistance for low income and elderly individuals during tax season.
Faculty and Administrative Pro Bono
The faculty policy provides that all faculty shall perform service and that pro bono representation is one form of service.
Awards/Recognition
There is a faculty award for community service.
Community Service
OnGoing Community Service Programs: The Women's Law Caucus volunteers at a local shelter.
Law School Public Interest Programs
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Contact Information
Sarah RipponCareer Services Coordinator
sarah.rippon@umontana.edu
(406) 243-5598
Certificate/Curriculum Programs
None.
Public Interest Centers
None.
Public Interest Clinics
Associated Students University of Montana Legal ServicesChild Support Enforcement Clinic
County and City Attorneys Offices
Criminal Defense Clinic
Federal Defenders
Indian Law Clinic
Montana Legal Services
U.S. Attorneys Office
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Externships/Internships
UM offers extensive clinical offerings, including placements in outside legal organizations.
Classes with a Public Service Component
Public Interest Lawyering
Public Interest Journals
None.
Public Interest Career Assistance
UM's Career Services Office helps students focus their career goals and obtain the right summer and permanent employment. Throughout the year, the office sponsors workshops on preparing resumes and application materials, conducting job interviews and applying for positions with law firms, judges, public agencies and other employers. You'll also find the faculty eager to advise and help you with career decisions. Also, each year the School of Law provides grants to two students to attend the Equal Justice Works Career Fair and Conference.
Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAP)
None.
Post-Graduate Fellowships/Awards
Law School Funded:
None.
Graduate Student Funded:
None.
Other Funding Sources:
None.
Term Time Fellowships/Scholarships
Law School Funded:
None.
Graduate Student Funded:
None.
Other Funding Sources:
None.
Summer Fellowships
Law School Funded:
None.
Graduate Student Funded:
None.
Other Funding Sources:
None.
Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Programs
None.
Student Public Interest Groups
Environmental Law GroupMontana Public Interest Law Group
Women's Law Caucus
