If you want the opportunity to litigate your first trial while in still in law school, then consider joining us at the ICDC.
The formal application process begins in March of every year, but you would be wise to begin planning in your first year. This page contains useful information on how to best position yourself for selection into the ICDC program.
You should learn about the ICDC Student Training Program to determine if it will satisfy your objections and if you are willing to meet the demands of the program.
You may also find it useful to contact former or current ICDC students
If you wish to try your hand at criminal defense work in your first or second year, please check this site frequently for special projects, volunteer research opportunities, and other ICDC events open to the law school community.
The wisdom of past ICDC students suggests that your time at the ICDC will be greatly enhanced if you follow the course recommendations listed below.
You should always feel free to call or email the Director, Deirdre O'Connor, if you have any unanswered questions.
- SARAH PENTZ BOTTINI
- DANIEL ZYTNICK
- BARKSDALE HORTENSTINE, JR.
- MIKE FABIUS'S PICTURE IS NOT AVAILABLE. Above Sarah, Barksdale, and Dan listen as Dean David Partlett addresses the inaugural group of ICDC students. (Click to enlarge.)
- NATE BARNES, GEOFF MacLEAY, DAVE STEIN, TIM SCHWARZ, DAN ZYTNICK, & BEN DAVIS
Nine third year students participated in the ICDC program last year. Over the course of two semesters the ICDC students litigated four suppression motions, three jury trials, and one emergency motion in the Court of Appeals. They also secured dismissals for three clients.
STUDENT LITIGATION
Dan Zytnick - Three jury trials and one motion litigated
Sarah Pentz Bottini - One jury trial
Dave Stein - One motion litigated and two cases prepped for trial
Geoff MacLeay - One trial and one motion litigated
Ben Davis - Two cases prepped for trial
Tim Schwarz - One motion litigated and two cases prepped for trial
Nate Barnes, Jr. - One jury trial and one other case prepped for trial
Barksdale Hortenstine, Jr. - One motion litigated
Michael Fabius - One motion litigated
- BEN AKERY
- JESSICA AMBROSE
- RENE HERTSBERG
- ALISSA JONES
- JAIME MARINARO
- GREG REYBOLD
- BENISH SHAH
- ROBYN SONIS
Every effort is made to allow as many students as possible to enroll in the ICDC. However, because this clinic provides a significant opportunity for litigation -- 90% of the ICDC students have actually litigated their case in court -- we receive more applicants than we have room to accommodate.
This fact should not discourage you from applying, as all applicants are interviewed and seriously considered. Also, the principle of supply and demand will work to expand the program as student interest in the ICDC continues to grow. It is important for the law school to know how many students are genuinely interested in the program.
Please keep in mind that applicants are selected based on their ability and willingness to meet the demands of a litigation clinic. Your persuasive demonstration of a strong work ethic and a true desire to learn how to become a successful litigator will bode well for you during the selection process. Students are not selected based on their grade point average.
The following suggestions are specific ways that you can increase your odds of being selected. To learn more, click the links embedded within the suggestion.
Take the prerequisite course, Ethics of Zealous Advocacy, in the fall of your second year.
Take full advantage of the opportunity provided by the Trial Techniques Program to enhance your trial skills.
Learn evidence from a trial lawyer's perspective: Investigate to see which professors teach from a problem-oriented casebook.
Take criminal procedure in your second year.
Try to lessen your course load for the third year so that you can fully attend to the needs of your client.
