Centers and Clinics

Full-Representation Clinic


Students learn legal skills and represent real clients in real cases under the supervision of Professor Jeff Grater, an experienced lawyer and member of the Florida Bar. This clinic operates as an actual law office within the college of law. Students serve as first-chair counsel in several cases and, depending on the needs our clients, conduct interviews, provide legal counseling, draft pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, and other legal documents, and represent clients in negotiations, mediations, hearings, and trials.

Clients come to the clinic with family law problems such as divorce, parenting, distribution of assets and debts, alimony, child support, paternity, and domestic violence. Students often are exposed to related issues including real estate, tax, bankruptcy, criminal law, and public benefits.

Students are certified by the Florida Supreme Court for practice in this clinic through application and by meeting the requirements of Chapter 11, Rules Regulating The Florida Bar (aka "Student Practice Rule").

To be eligible to become a CLI (Certified Legal Intern), you must first register with the Florida Board of Bar Examiners and receive a "clearance letter." This will take at least 3-6 months. A copy of this letter is generally required as part of your clinic application. For more information on CLI and how to get your "clearance letter," please see http://www.law.ufl.edu/centers/hawkins/students.

If you want more information about this important opportunity, please contact Professor Grater.

E-mails and letters from people requesting legal assistance will not be treated as confidential information unless and until the clinic agrees to accept representation.

Jeffrey T. Grater
Legal Skills Professor
Co-Director of Clinics
PO Box 117626
Room 105J Bruton-Geer Hall / Gainesville, FL 32611
e -mail: grater@law.ufl.edu
352.273.0800 / Fax:352.392.0414

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