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Specialized Approach
The Criminal Defense Clinic specializes in representing people with mental illness, intellectual disability, and serious histories of trauma. Partnering with a forensic social worker, the clinic utilizes a collaborative, team-based model to advocate for clients from arraignment to sentencing.
Holistic Solutions
With the assistance of a full-time forensic social worker, the Criminal Defense Clinic seeks to provide a holistic solution to a client’s legal and social needs.
Real World Experience
Clinic students are active in all aspects of representation, including obtaining records, negotiating plea deals, taking depositions and preparing for trial.
Change a Life
The Criminal Defense Clinic gives students an opportunity to make a lasting impact on a client’s life under the guidance of an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Why Choose criminal defense?
The practice of criminal defense at SLU LAW gives students first-hand experience in the courtroom. This innovative clinic allows students to learn about the prevalence and impact of trauma and other mental health issues in the criminal justice system, how your client's social histories impact your representation, and how to harness their stories at all stages of representation.
At the heart of a good defense...
Is a good defense attorney. Professor Sue McGraugh joined SLU LAW in 2002 after time at the Missouri Public Defenders Office and Legal Services of Eastern Missouri representing indigent, homeless and mentally ill clients.
“I’ve learned there are a lot of gaps in representation,” she says. “Every day someone with a municipal violation goes to jail without benefit of an attorney. I’m very interested in seeing access to counsel for all people.”
Seek Justice for Clients with innovative coursework
Information here about the Sentencing Mitigation course
Bringing Mental Health Awareness to the courtroom
Professor Sue McGraugh learned early on the impact a client's mental health has on their interaction with the criminal justice system. For that reason, Lauren Choate, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with training as an Advanced Forensic Social Worker, serves as the Clinics’ in-house social worker.
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Where do SLU LAW grads work?
From the courthouse to the courtroom, SLU LAW grads can be found everywhere.
What other courses can I take?
Beyond clinic offerings, students can take other practical skills courses.
