Centers and Clinics
Virgil D. Hawkins Civil Clinics
The Virgil Hawkins Story
In April 1949 Virgil D. Hawkins, a former faculty member of Bethune Cookman College, applied for admission to the University of Florida's law school. He was academically eligible and possessed appropriate life experience qualifications. However, the long road to achieving his goal of becoming a lawyer would force him to persevere for 9 more years and overcome Florida's Jim Crow laws which racially segregated its state universities. His journey would eventually open the doors of Florida's public universities to African Americans, although not to him. more>>
Virgil Hawkins Civil Clinics
These clinics consist of one or two-semester electives that include representing clients and practical classroom instruction. Classes typically address legal skills such as depositions and other discovery, negotiation, mediation advocacy, and motion and trial practice. Teaching is normally done through simulations (role plays), class discussion, special guests, and critique.